July is rice planting season in Cambodia. Rainwater is utilized in 75% of rice fields in this country for cultivation, and farmers plant seedlings in the fields from low to high- elevation as rainwater increases. As we promote SRI farming method, we conducted rice cultivation training from June to July this year.

910 farmers in total participated in trainings at locals. As instructors were youths in the same village and well known to trainees, they could raise questions at ease and the trainings were progressed in harmonious atmosphere.

Farmers, who are used to their conventional ways in planting rice seedlings in a bundle and randomly, are hesitant to apply the SRI farming method which requires planting single seedling at a time at regular spacing. Rice fields of young farmers practicing SRI farming method will be good examples for those who are reluctant to apply it.

Not a few farmers decide to apply the SRI farming method when they see actual rice fields and the results. It is likely to see an increase in number of young farmers who will practice the SRI farming method this year, too.