What is organic rice? organic rice is the kind of rice that Cambodian people grow without using chemicals and it does not affect human being's health. Neighboring countries always use pesticide to kill insects and chemicals into their rice fields in order to make rice grow fast and have a great deal of products.
By the way, most of Cambodian farmers has turning into using chemicals and have started using natural fertilizers such as compost because it helps keep soil good from year to year. In addition, farmers also make compost by themselves.
Cambodian people are depending on agriculture, three-quarters of 14 million population, in a country where the average daily income is less than US$2 making cost-efficient and healthier, organic farming attractive.
According to Centre d'Etude et de Developpement Agricole Cambogien (CEDAC), rice yields per hectare for farmers who have gone organic have almost doubled and seed requirements have fallen by 70 to 80 percent. This means an income rise per hectare to $172 from $58, as organic rice is sold at a premium.
Organic farming is not just restricted to rice paddies. The farmers are encouraged to channel rain water for irrigation, creating more ponds and canals which can be used to breed fish. As Cambodia slowly leaves its war-scarred past behind and people, especially in the cities, have more cash to spare, interest is growing in healthier living, giving a further boost to organic farming. The government is also hoping the country will eventually secure a footing in the health-conscious international market for organic food.