More than 10,000 small-scale farmers have benefitted from the Amru Rice contract farming scheme, which has helped boost the production and exports of organic rice, according to the company.

Amru Rice is the largest producer and exporter of organic rice from Cambodia.

The company said along with the Cambodian Agriculture Cooperative Corporation its main objective has been to support small-scale farmers by boosting the production of organic rice.

“Through strategic partnerships with agricultural cooperatives and strong support with relevant stakeholders, Amru Rice has spearheaded initiatives that not only strengthen the agricultural sector but also improved the livelihoods of countless farming families across Cambodia.”

In Preah Vihear Province, Amru Rice partnered with 35 agricultural cooperatives (ACs).

“The partnership on organic paddy is set to benefit around 9,500 households, with the production of nearly 20,000 tonnes of organic paddy and an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 tonnes of organic cassava.”

The company said it secured contract farming agreements in Battambang Province, the northwest zone, with eight ACs and 47 producer groups, targeting a production of 16,000 tonnes.

In the upland zone, mainly in Mondulkiri province, the firm inked contracts to purchase 711 tonnes of organic rice from five ACs and nine producer groups, benefitting 555 households.

Amru Rice pointed out that it has widened its organic rice operations in the southwest provinces as well, collaborating with 12 ACs and 20 rice producer groups. The expansion will have an impact on 1,322 households, with the production of 5,094 tonnes of organic paddy rice valued at about $1.9 million.

The company said it has invested in Phka Rumduol jasmine rice seeds, in partnership with the CACC, worth approximately $100,000, across Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Takeo and Kampot provinces.

Saran Song, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Amru Rice, the company conducts its business with strong ethical values aligned with corporate social responsibility.

“We embrace sustainable practices in the production phase by investing in farmers along the supply chain and providing them with education and financial security. We work closely with various ACs throughout Cambodia in a carefully crafted contract farming format that improves farmers’ livelihoods and brings positive social change to the communities we work with,” he added.

Amru Rice currently has rice processing facilities at Phnom Penh, Kompong Thom and Battambang provinces.