Phnom Penh, January 13, 2026 — The CEO Institute, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), has successfully organised the “2026 Agri-Entrepreneur Forum for Crop Cultivation and Livestock Raising,” aimed at strengthening and expanding agribusinesses amid ongoing cross-border and economic challenges.
The forum was designed to support agribusiness entrepreneurs by promoting innovative business models, including transforming migrant labour into collaborative workforces or networks of micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) partners. The initiative was jointly supported by the CEO Institute, ARDB, and other relevant institutions.
The event was presided over by H.E. Dr Kao Thach, Delegate of the Royal Government in charge and Chief Executive Officer of ARDB, alongside H.E. Dr Om Seng Bora, Founder of the CEO Institute. More than 110 agri-entrepreneurs, business owners, and farm operators from the crop cultivation and livestock sectors participated, sharing experiences, building networks, and discussing sustainable business solutions. The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC) also sent 10 members to attend the forum.
Key Risks Facing the Agricultural Sector
The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Cultivation and Livestock Forum 2026 focused on improving access to financing and strengthening the capacity of agri-entrepreneurs. Discussions highlighted major risks currently facing Cambodia’s agricultural sector, including:
1. Climate risk—droughts and floods
2. Market risk—maintaining sustainable supply and managing middlemen
3. Financial risk—debt burdens and high input costs
4. Production risk—pests, diseases, and poor-quality seeds
5. Infrastructure risk—limited irrigation, inadequate storage, and poor road conditions
6. Legal risk—loss of land due to failed production
7. Socio-institutional risk—weak agricultural cooperatives
Speakers emphasized that understanding and managing these risks is critical to long-term sustainability. Five Key Questions for Aspiring Farmers
Participants were encouraged to assess their readiness before starting an agricultural venture by asking five essential questions:
1. Do I have sufficient water for dry periods?
2. Do I know my production cost per hectare or per unit?
3. Do I have a guaranteed buyer or contract?
4. Can I survive one bad season without selling land?
5. Am I farming alone or as part of a cooperative?
As highlighted during the forum, “Smart farming is not only about planting crops—it is about managing risks.”
Cost Analysis Insights
The forum also presented practical cost analysis to support better decision-making. For example, the average expenditure for one hectare of rice was estimated at 2.5 million riels. Five tons per hectare is the average yield, and the cost of production is about 500 riels per kilogram.
The event concluded successfully on January 13, 2026, marking another step forward in strengthening Cambodia’s agricultural entrepreneurship ecosystem through collaboration between financial institutions and private-sector leaders.
The Samdech Techo Farmers’ Network Association, under the leadership of H.E., is a partner of the Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC). Dr. Kao Thach, who is the Delegate of the Royal Government and the Chief Executive Officer of ARDB.