The Healthy Rice project: a Franco-Cambodian agro-ecological revolution

France actively supports agriculture for sustainable development in Cambodia, notably through the ‘Healthy Rice’ project, supported by the French Embassy and piloted by the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) in Asia.

This innovative project is working to develop innovative farming practices that encourage the production of high-quality fragrant rice, while offering alternatives to the intensive use of chemical inputs.

A project based on agro-ecology and scientific partnership

‘Healthy Rice’ is part of an agroecological approach that aims to promote diversified cropping systems that reduce or even eliminate the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, while ensuring the health of soils and plants. This holistic approach involves a multi-disciplinary consortium bringing together French institutions such as IRD and CIRAD (Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement), as well as several prestigious Cambodian partners, including the Cambodian Institute of Technology (ITC), the Royal University of Agronomy (RUA), the National University of Battambang (NUBB), and the General Directorate of Agriculture of the Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture.

The project benefits from funding and scientific supervision to support the research and development of agroecological practices adapted to local Cambodian realities.

The aim is not only to improve the quality of the rice produced - by focusing on fragrant varieties with high added value - but also to strengthen the ecological sustainability of the rice-growing sector, a crucial issue in a country where agriculture remains an economic and social pillar.

Concrete results on soil health and pesticide reduction

The work carried out as part of the Healthy Rice project has shown that diversified rice-growing systems can increase soil biodiversity and limit the appearance of diseases and parasites without the need for large-scale use of plant protection products. This change also helps to reduce chemical residues in the finished product, guaranteeing better food quality for consumers while preserving the health of farmers and ecosystems.

One of the main thrusts of the project is therefore to identify agricultural management practices that reconcile economic efficiency and environmental protection.

This fits in perfectly with current Cambodian policies aimed at significantly reducing agricultural emissions and adopting climate-friendly crops. The project is in line with regional and international initiatives, in particular the reduction of methane emissions linked to rice growing.

French support for sustainable rural development

In addition to ‘Healthy Rice’, France, notably through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), is supporting programmes aimed at the agro-ecological transition and sustainable intensification of Cambodian agriculture. These initiatives include support for the rice-growing sector through the introduction of improved irrigation systems, the development of high value-added sectors and the promotion of environmentally-friendly farming practices.

Cooperation between France and Cambodia also involves capacity-building for Cambodian researchers and technicians. Academic and scientific exchanges are encouraged, enabling a number of Cambodian experts to receive training in French laboratories, thereby consolidating the foundations for long-term sustainable agriculture.

Towards resilient and competitive Cambodian agriculture

The sustainable development of agriculture in Cambodia, supported by innovative projects such as Healthy Rice, illustrates a joint commitment to improving food quality, preserving natural resources and improving economic conditions for farmers. Through this Franco-Cambodian partnership, the Cambodian rice industry is positioning itself on the basis of high international standards, opening the doors to world markets while ensuring its long-term viability in a changing climatic and environmental context.