IBIS Rice sales soar, farmers’ income boosted

OFFICIALS from the Sansom Mlup Prey Organisation (SMP) reported that the year 2023 saw an over 76 per cent increase in the production of organic and wildlifefriendly jasmine rice, also known as IBIS Rice. The surge resulted in an income of nearly 3.3 million riel ($806.63) per member family, a notable rise compared to the figures from 2022.

Upon completing the purchase from its members in targeted areas, the organisation noted an unexpected increase in IBIS Rice data from farmers; the sale of the organic product showed a massive 76.6 per cent increase year-on-year.

Keo Socheat, executive director of SMP, said there was an increase in the number of farmers selling IBIS Rice to companies in 2023, with the cultivators receiving approximately 14.4 per cent more from the sales than they did in 2022.

He added that selling prices of the wildlife-friendly rice were on average 54 per cent higher than the market value.

He said the price fluctuated between 1,850 riel and 2,050 riel ($0.45 and $0.50) per kilogramme and besides the advantageous numbers, growers also had sufficient rice to sustain their own families.

“The implementation of the IBIS Rice project has significantly improved the livelihoods of farmers residing in and around conservation areas. They have actively engaged in preserving natural resources by cultivating the organic rice. The rice has been marketed at notably higher prices. We have also adhered to principles aimed at protecting natural resources and conserving wildlife,” he said.

Socheat highlighted that the project plays a crucial role in ensuring food security in the target areas and supporting the member families involved.

According to SMP, the IBIS Rice project has been implemented in four provinces: Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Ratanakkiri and Mondulkiri, encompassing a total of 2,370 member families.

The programme has received support and cooperation from the Ministry of Environment and numerous organisations, including the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Morodok Baitang Project, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Cambodia, Conservation International (CI) Cambodia, the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), IBIS Rice Conservation Co Ltd (IBIS Rice), Rising Phoenix Co Ltd and BirdLife International (Cambodia), as per the SMP.