Before Chea Sophany began working as an FBA a year and a half ago, he didn’t have enough money to purchase seeds from Lors Thmey, but looking around his demonstration plot today, it is inspiring to see how far he has progressed since then. Chea has a simple, but essential irrigation system connected to his flourishing cucumber field, and leaned against the side of a shed is one of Lors Thmey’s drum seeders, a cost-saving technology that allows him to produce higher rice yields.
Rural Cambodian farmers face many challenges, ranging from an unforgiving climate to urbanisation and the accompanying labour shortage due to the younger generation migrating to cities to look for work. That is why Lors Thmey’s new techniques and productivity raising technologies, combined with cheaper quality inputs, are necessary for the survival and continuation of many smallholder farmers.
When Chea shifted from traditional farming methods to the newer techniques he learned from Mornh Thou, his CA, he finally experienced good results and was able to feel pride in his efforts. Chea still faces his fair share of challenges, but whenever there is a problem that needs on-going attention, Mornh visits daily to give technical advice, and Chea jokes that sometimes he sees his CA more than he sees his own clients.
Mornh’s technical support has helped Chea to develop and grow his demonstration plot, where he can showcase Lors Thmey’s technologies so clients and other villagers can come and witness the first-hand benefits. For many FBAs, a successful demonstration plot can be enough to entice new clients to purchase Lors Thmey’s technologies, and as Chea says, “it’s not hard to find a market to sell effective products.”
Pen Daravuth, one of Chea’s 15 clients, has achieved similar success with Lors Thmey’s inputs and technologies. Pen sought his FBA’s help to solve a pest outbreak and a water shortage—two common challenges for rural Cambodian farmers. Chea helped his client install an irrigation system and apply an organic fertilizer to his cucumber plants, which are now healthy and ready for daily harvest. Chea was not only there to deliver the technology and help set everything up, but he also checks back frequently to make sure everything works properly. When asked if he will continue working with his FBA, Pen readily replied “Of course, forever,” with a smile on his face.
Rural Cambodian farmers like Chea and Pen can raise their incomes significantly by growing and selling high-value crops, but many lack the good quality inputs, technologies, and support necessary to take advantage of those opportunities. Through the FBA program, Lors Thmey has established a sustainable network of hard-working, knowledgeable agricultural experts who are continuously working to expand their connections and to empower more people to lift themselves above the poverty line.