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Strategic Alliance with Angkor Green to Provide Access to Locally Manufactured No-Till Planters

Cambodia
28.02.2024
Swisscontact Cambodia and Angkor Green formalized their Partnership Agreement on December 1, 2023, with the goal of advancing the evolving agricultural landscape towards agroecology. The objective is to locally replicate and manufacture a four-row maize no-till planter, aligning with agroecology principles.

This strategic partnership is a key component of Conservation Agriculture and Sustainable Intensification Consortium’s (CASIC) Rectangular Approach. CIRAD and Swisscontact through the Innovation Sustainable Agriculture (ISA) project is supporting CASIC and partners to implement the approach. The Rectangular Approach (based on the Light Bulb approach of CIRAD and Swisscontact) is a comprehensive framework designed to illuminate the path towards sustainable farming practices in Cambodia.

The Rectangular Approach comprises six innovative components, aimed at addressing critical challenges within the agricultural sector. The partnership between Swisscontact and Angkor Green falls under “Technology and Practices”, which aims to strengthen the commercialization of technologies and practices related to agroecology through regenerative agriculture. Under the Technology and Practices component, one of the initiatives aims to address the challenge of accessibility and affordability of regenerative agriculture machineries such as no-till planters. Commercial no-till planters entered Cambodia in 2019 with the support of CIRAD, CESAIN, Kansas State University through the CASF program and Swisscontact. Till date, 18 commercial planters have entered Cambodia. However, importation was a big hassle and a need to look at local fabrication.  The partnership thus proves to be of utmost importance. 

The no-till planter plays a pivotal role in agroecological practices, enabling farmers to cultivate crops without disturbing the soil, thereby preserving its structure and health. This approach not only enhances soil fertility and water retention but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and erosion, contributing to sustainable land management and climate resilience.

"We are excited to join hands with Swisscontact. By localizing the production of advanced agricultural implements like the no-till planter, we are not only providing Cambodian farmers with access to innovative solutions but also ensuring a sustainable approach towards farming that respects our soil and environment."
Mr. Chan Sopheak, CEO, Angkor Green

The decision to collaborate with Angkor Green was driven by their demonstrated commitment to modernizing Cambodia's agriculture sector. Since its establishment in 2011, Angkor Green has emerged as a key player, distributing a wide range of agricultural products, and providing essential training and support to farmers. Angkor Green's extensive experience and partnerships with multinational companies have positioned them as leaders in driving innovation and sustainability in Cambodian agriculture. Their efforts to introduce innovative technologies, such as specialized tractors and drip irrigation systems, have empowered farmers to enhance productivity.

"Through our collaboration with Angkor Green, we aim to transform Cambodian agriculture with sustainable technologies. The locally manufactured no-till planter through this collaboration efforts with Angkor Green is a leap towards empowering farmers, bringing in investment in agroecological transition and fostering a greener, more sustainable future."
Mr. Sey Chandara, Intervention Area Lead

By enabling the local manufacturing of these regenerative agricultural implements, Swisscontact, CIRAD and Angkor Green aim to pioneer no-till planter innovation, and manufacturing and overcome logistical barriers of accessibility and affordability of regenerative agriculture machineries and implements. A technical group comprising of the Department of Agriculture Engineering (DAEng), CIRAD, Angkor Green and Swisscontact will be formed to discuss any technical issues during the fabrication process and test the application of the prototype. This initiative not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by farmers in access to proper technologies but also lays the foundation for long-term sustainability and resilience within the agricultural sector. By harnessing the power of technology and sustainable practices, this partnership holds the promise of transforming farming landscapes, improving livelihoods, and safeguarding the environment for generations to come.