Farmer's Challenge In Improving Upland Farming Systems in Cambodia

Abstract

In upland areas during the rainy season, farmers generally attempt to grow several upland crops including maize, sesame, mungbean, soybean, peanut and cowpea. The first is planted in March-April and the second in July-August. Farmer workshops have provided us with a better understanding of traditional practices and problems associated with growing and marketing upland crops in Cambodia. The most commonly given reason for growing a crop is good market demand. High price for the product and ease of production are of equal importance. Low cost of seeds or inputs and medium or high yield potential are also important. Short duration is an important consideration for early wet season crops. The most commonly given reason for not growing the crop is damage from insect pests, followed by risk of crop failure, drought or natural disaster, and high cost of seed and other inputs. From the above observations, the following priorities for further research have been prioritized.