CSVN – The Cambodian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) recently held a working session with the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and the Cambodian Rubber Research Institute (CRRI), directing CRRI to provide new, high-yield rubber clones to improve the country’s rubber production efficiency.
Researching New Varieties and Protecting the Industry
According to MAFF, CRRI must take greater responsibility for protecting Cambodia’s rubber industry from market fluctuations and climate change impacts.
The ministry emphasized that CRRI needs to conduct in-depth research on international markets to help ensure price stability and sustainable profitability for Cambodian producers.
Currently, Cambodia has 404,578 hectares of land planted with rubber trees, of which 78% is already being tapped for latex production, while the remaining area is devoted to new plantations and replanting efforts.
Preserving Cambodia’s Rubber Heritage
MAFF also announced plans to establish a Rubber Museum in Tbong Khmum province. The museum will also serve as a center for research and development in the country’s rubber sector.
Additionally, the Chup Rubber Plantation in Chiro II commune, Tbong Khmum district — home to nearly 500 century-old trees — is being proposed as a national heritage site.
Founded in 1922 by the Campagnie du Cambodge, the Chup plantation originally covered nearly 17,000 hectares under concession. Remarkably, 477 of the original trees still exist today, underscoring the historical and cultural value of this site, which authorities plan to conserve for future generations.
Strategic Outlook
With rubber being one of Cambodia’s key agricultural export commodities, the government aims to strengthen both production capacity and market competitiveness through:
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Investment in improved clones and replanting programs to raise yields;
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Market-oriented research to identify high-demand export destinations;
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Heritage preservation to promote the long history and contribution of Cambodia’s rubber industry;
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Development of a national brand identity tied to sustainability and quality.
These initiatives reflect Cambodia’s ambition to enhance the global reputation and profitability of its rubber sector while ensuring long-term environmental and economic sustainability.