Kandal farmers form agricultural unions

FARMERS in three districts of Kandal province – Koh Thom, Loeuk Dek and Sa’ang – were united to form 11 Agricultural Community Unions (ACUs) to promote the production and marketing of agricultural products and amass production forces and means to expand their capacity in agroindustrial production and agri-business, including services related to agriculture.

Provincial deputy governor Taing Meng Lean said at the opening ceremony of the first general meeting of the ACUs on March 11 that the establishment was important and necessary to promote the production and marketing of agricultural products – particularly cash crops from the province in accord with its agricultural development plan and the strategic plan of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

“These unions are another achievement that Kandal province has accomplished and the establishment of these unions is a mechanism that is in line with and responds to the national strategic plan and the rectangular strategy phase V while contributing to a reduction in poverty,” he said.

He expressed his support for the initiative, saying that these 11 ACUs would begin operations soon.

At the event, Meng Lean also asked voting representatives from all agricultural communities to chose the right people for the union management boards and inspection committee who have the capability to lead the unions and run them smoothly, successfully and sustainably for all the farming communities.

Provincial agriculture department director Bun Tuon Simona said at the event that the willingness to form the unions was a testament to the farmers’ long-term vision in the context of globalisation and on the basis of clear legal principles, standards, spirits and will.

“The scope of the work will be widened by the decision to require careful consideration of serving the purpose of union members and the real needs of the unions. The forming of this union will provide greater ease with signing contracts for agricultural products, especially when we amass agricultural produce for distribution or wholesale in Kandal province,” he said.

Tuon Simona also asked the 11 agricultural communities to hold an annual general meeting to show their members transparency and provide them an opportunity to contribute their ideas.