PHNOM PENH: The Mondulkiri provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is encouraging and training farmers to expand their coffee cultivation after the province’s robusta beans were recently rated as “Fine Robusta” by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI).
Provincial agriculture department director Song Kheang reported that there are currently more than 500ha of coffee plantations in the province.
Of that, only 346ha are being harvested, yielding an average of 2.096 tonnes per hectare.
He said that following Kofi Company’s successful rating with CQI, the provincial department is encouraging farmers to increase their production to meet market demand, adding that it is collaborating with the company to provide orientation training for farmers on the cultivation, care and harvesting of the commodity.
“We are currently training farmers while urging them to expand their land for coffee cultivation. We are working hard because this coffee has the potential and value that can provide people with a good income,” he said.
Kheang also noted that the area dedicated to growing the beans has been steadily increasing.
In 2023, the crops covered a total area of 525ha, with 365 farming families involved, representing an increase of 174ha compared to 2022.
He added that the total harvest was about 725 tonnes per year, although some of the crops are still in the growing stage. He noted that most of the produce is purchased by Kofi and other small companies directly from farmers, with coordination from the agriculture department.
According to Kofi, the first grade of fresh coffee costs around 3,000 riel (US$0.73) per kg, the second grade ranges between 2,000 and 2,500 riel (US$0.49-US$0.61) and the third grade sells for 1,000 to 2,000 riel (US$0.24-US$0.49) per kg.
It explained that to achieve Fine Robusta certification, experts from the institute carefully evaluate various factors, including aroma, taste, acidity, crust and balance of the coffee.
Through innovative production and processing, as well as strict adherence to quality and hygiene standards, Kofi has set a new benchmark for the Cambodian coffee industry, demonstrating its ability to produce and process Mondulkiri robusta coffee for the world market, the company stated.
“This is a significant achievement that brings pride to our country. It showcases our ability to produce high-quality coffee, contributes to the local supply and enables us to sell abroad, which in turn generates income for our farmers,” Kheang said.
Phlek Phirom, a representative of the Banong Indigenous Community Network in the province, is unaware of the recognition of robusta coffee as Fine Robusta.
However, she has noticed that more indigenous people are now interested in growing coffee on a family scale.
“I see more indigenous people planting coffee. Some families are cultivating one or two hectares to meet market demand, and some are also involved in producing coffee seedlings,” she said. – The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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