Farming Practices Assessment and Economic Analysis of Organic Rice Farming in Cambodia: Case Study of a Commune in Preah Vihear Province

Abstract

Through the Cambodian government program, adoption of organic rice farming started in 2003. Although some farmers re-converted back to conventional rice farming, there are still some farmers who have continued producing organic rice under contract farming and non contract farming. This study aims to (1) clarify the cultural practices of organic rice farming; (2) compare the productivity and profitability of organic rice under contract farming and non-contract farming, and (3) identify the perception of farmers towards organic rice farming and reasons why they have continued. This study interviewed 85 randomly selected farmers in a commune of Preah Vihear province and further divided them into three types: 32 contract farmers, 32 non-contract farmers, and 21 organic rice contract farmers who partly sold produce outside the contract. Results showed that although transplanting and direct-seeding were prevalent, direct-seeding was the most common practice due to limited labor and rice field location. With regards to productivity and profitability, organic rice contract farmers had more yield and earned more profit than non-contract farmers. Moreover, farmers practicing transplanting had higher yield than those of direct-seeding. However, availability of exchange labor seemed to be a critical factor for farmers to gain profit. The reasons for farmers to continue doing organic rice farming were higher income, better health and contribution to conserve the environment. The reasons for engaging in contract farming were receiving stable and high price and gaining new knowledge. This study hopes to initially contribute to the further development of organic rice farming in Preah Vihear province.