Stories

Narrative:
Explore real stories from real people. Filter by topic, region, or theme to see how Nurture is making a difference.

Browse the stories by

Filter:
By Intervention Areas, By Themes, By Provinces, By Years

1. Machine-Planting Builds Farmer Resilience in Roung Muoy Village, Battambang

Last updated: 01.07.2025

In Cambodia’s rainfed agricultural zones, unpredictable rainfall, declining soil quality, and lack of irrigation infrastructure have placed smallholder rice farmers under growing pressure. These challenges are especially prevalent in southern Battambang Province, where smallholder farmers face climate-related risks that directly impact their yields and income. To address this, the “Nurture CRA – Nurturing Climate-Resilient Agriculture through Demonstrations and a One-Stop Distribution Model” intervention was launched in October 2023 and completed in March 2025. The initiative aimed to build climate resilience among rice and maize farmers across nine rainfed communes within the customer reach of ASR (Agricultural Systems Research)’s “Crop Care” shop in Koas Krala district, a one-stop outlet offering eco-friendly inputs, practical advice, and hands-on demonstrations in Conservation Agriculture.

Roung Muoy Village, located in Prey Tralach Commune of Rukhak Kiri District, is more than 75 km from Battambang City. The road to the village takes nearly two hours by motorbike, and the village remains without irrigation infrastructure.
“Within the village, there is no irrigation infrastructure or community water source.”, said Mr. Veasna. When Mr. Veasna (57) and Ms. Sok Lim (56) moved here in 1997 under a government land grant, they received 6.5 hectares of uncleared, mine-ridden land with no access to water. They arrived with only 50,000 riel (about $12.50) and no equipment or support.
Over nearly three decades, they built a modest but functional farm from scratch, raising four children—two of whom died tragically from poisoned water—and now caring for three grandchildren while farming rice and cassava. Despite this progress, they remained vulnerable to drought and low productivity, with rice yields averaging only 1-2 tons per hectare on degraded soil. These soils have a sandy top layer over clay, making them prone to waterlogging. To address these deeply rooted constraints, the Nurture Project, through its partner ASR Crop Care, introduced a Farmer Field School (FFS) in Roung Muoy Village in July 2024. The core activity involved a machine-planting demonstration on the couple’s 1-hectare field next to their house, using a Kubota seed drill to plant Khon Chin, a drought-tolerant, five-month photoperiod-sensitive rice variety. The remaining 5.5 hectares were seeded using the conventional broadcasting method with a variety (OM 5451), which failed entirely due to lack of rain. The FFS served not only as a technical intervention but also as a community-based platform for observation, learning, and knowledge exchange. The demonstration field achieved a remarkable yield of 4.4 tons per hectare, nearly double the expected 2.4 tons per hectare from broadcasting methods. Financially, this translated to an income of $1,027 compared to the $503 benchmark and was the household’s sole source of cash income in 2024.

“Last year (2024), all the rice we broadcast died, but the machine-planted rice of 1 ha (demonstration field) survived.” said Mr. Veasna. The successful farm plot not only sustained the family during a difficult season, but it also inspired a new livelihood path. Mr. Veasna and his son now plan to become machine-planting service providers in 2025, expecting from up to 30 interested local farmers as their first customers.

If each client cultivates an average of three hectares, their service could generate an additional $1,800 per year, potentially doubling their typical rice income and recovering the machine cost within one season. Post-harvest interviews with FFS members from Chrang Khpos, Roung Muoy, and Roung Pir Villages revealed strong demand for machine-planting adoption in 2025. ASR Crop Care will continue to support further uptake and coordinate local service delivery.

By enabling one household to demonstrate resilient rice production under drought conditions, the Nurture CRA project has catalyzed broader behavioral change in Roung Muoy village. Mr. Veasna and Ms. Sok Lim’s journey shows the potential of well-supported, farmer-led innovation to drive inclusive and sustainable agricultural transformation.

In addition to providing the household with five 20-kg bags of organic fertilizer, the ASR team also introduced the IRRI Leaf Colour Chart (LCC)—a simple, visual tool that helps farmers determine the optimal timing for fertiliser topdressing based on the actual colour of rice leaves. This combination of materials and training aims to build the household’s confidence and capacity to further improve productivity under climate stress.

2. Salet’s Success: Solar Irrigation Brings Reliable Water to Cambodian Farmers

Last updated: 21.03.2025

In Battambang province, a collaboration between the Nurture Project and EGE Cambodia-Energy Transition is harnessing the power of the sun to provide reliable irrigation to smallholder farmers. The “Nurture Water-Inclusive Solar Irrigation Solution” was piloted in Peam Village, Kdol Tahen Commune, Bavel district. This initiative established a community committee and installed a 60 HP solar pumping station, directly benefiting approximately 160 smallholder farming households, totaling 1,023 individuals (including 303 women and 465 young people). Farmers, now assured of a consistent water supply, are not only maximizing their existing land but also expanding their cultivation areas.

“After receiving and using this solar-powered pumping station, it’s incredibly convenient. Firstly, it reduces our budget costs. Secondly, it saves energy and time. Thirdly, it provides reliable water in the canal, which we pump directly into our fields. For farmers like me, it’s significantly more cost effective than using diesel machines.”

Hang Salet, a 53-year-old farmer in Peam village, Kdol Tahen commune, Bovel district, Battambang province.
For the first rice production season, 125 families registered to use the solar-powered water supply, covering 240 hectares of land. A sustainable fee structure was implemented, with farmers agreeing to pay $75 USD/ha for the first season and $38 USD/ha for the second. Farmers experienced immediate savings, reducing their water pumping costs by 40% compared to the average incurred when using diesel pumps from streams.

Salet vividly recalls the challenges of traditional diesel pumps:
“In the past, we faced numerous difficulties: buying diesel, pipes, spare parts, and dealing with daily maintenance and repairs. The pump was difficult to operate, requiring precise positioning near the water source. It was time-consuming, labor intensive, and frustrating. Diesel pumps brought us many problems.” The shift to solar irrigation has yielded remarkable results.

“After using the solar water pump system in the first season, my yield per hectare increased from 3.5 tons last year to 5.5 tons this year. On my 5 hectares, my total harvest increased from 19-20 tons in 2023 to 25.3 tons in the first season of 2024. I’m truly enjoying this first harvest season with the solar water pump.”

Inspired by the success of the community solar irrigation station, Salet now plans to install a small solar water pump system on his own land. He views the project as a vital model for community development and hopes it will inspire other communities to adopt solar irrigation. He envisions a future where more farmers transition away from costly and polluting diesel engines, embracing the benefits of solar pumps for sustainable and efficient rice farming.

Beyond increased productivity, the project fosters responsible water governance by establishing water management committees, implementing pumping schedules, and creating water usage maps, ensuring equitable distribution and sustainable practices.

Recognizing the success and demand from smallholder farmers and local authorities, the Nurture Project and EGE are committed to expanding the solar irrigation model in Battambang. This expansion will build upon the proven benefits, further contributing to climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and sustainable development in the region.

3. Saran’s Success: Solar Irrigation Brings Reliable Water to Cambodian Farmers

Last updated: 21.03.2025

“Since using the solar water pump, I’ve expanded my cultivation land from 5 to 8 hectares, and I plan to expand even further next year. With reliable water, I can confidently cultivate my farthest fields.”
Ry Saran, a 43-year-old farmer in Peam village, Kdol Tahen commune, Bovel district, Battambang province.

For the first rice production season, 125 families registered to use the solar-powered water supply, covering 240 hectares of land. A sustainable fee structure was implemented, with farmers agreeing to pay $75 USD/ha for the first season and $38 USD/ha for the second. Farmers experienced immediate savings, reducing their water pumping costs by 40% compared to the average incurred when using diesel pumps from streams.

Saran highlights the numerous benefits of the solar water pumping system she has experienced:
“It reduces labor, eliminates noise, boosts rice yields, and is incredibly convenient for both men and women. Since I participated in the project, my rice yield has increased. Last year, I got only 3.5 tons per hectare, but this year, I got up to 4 tons per hectare. For a total area of 8 hectares, the total harvest is 32 tons. I keep 1 ton for food and 2 tons for seed. I sold 29 tons of rice.”

4. Engage youth in Agriculture

No.: FS21/January-2024

East West Seed Knowledge-Transfer believes that youth will shape the future of food security and sustainable work on Agriculture. Mr Ravuth Sun has 2 sisters and 3 brothers, all of them migrate to sell labor in Thailand. Ravuth is the youngest in his family and he is 19 years old and lives in Dongkorpen Village, Prey Kpos commune, Bovel District, Battambang Province. Ravuth dropped out of school since he studied at grade 7 because he has to earn money to support his family. After his father passed away. Before he joined the project, he planted 4000 sqm of cucumbers with traditional techniques that he learnt from his father. Ravuth’s business was not going well. Many challenges such as poor knowledge of vegetable production and market information, issues on pests such as thrips, aphids, whiteflies and ladybugs and other diseases.

Ravuth said, “When I got less yield and income, I wanted to quit farming and planned to go work in Thailand, but I pity my mom who lives alone, and I love farming, that’s why I keep growing vegetables.”

Luckily, when Ravuth met challenges and struggled with his production, EWS cooperated with Nurture project to select his area for a demo showcase on vegetable production through set up demonstration, training and field day with target farmers. Ravuth and his mother joined the Nurture Project in August 2023, he participated in training courses on land preparation, seedling production, and Pest and disease management. The first crop he has been growing with the project are cauliflower and watermelons. After 3 months he decided to expand 5000 sqm land size with 2 more crops such as Cabbage and sweet corn to get more income.

Other farmers, witnessing the remarkable difference in Ravuth’s crop quality, sought his guidance. Ravuth proudly shared the techniques he learned from the Knowledge Transfer Team.

Ravuth thanked the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Team and Nurture project for their support, emphasizing the invaluable skills, knowledge, and cooperation they provided. He expressed a heartfelt desire for continued support and the provision of additional seeds for future growth. Ravuth said, “I sincerely thank the East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer Team for supporting me with the skills, knowledge, and great cooperation. I want them to continue supporting me and other farmers with useful farming lessons.”

5. Double the Harvest and Hope: Saroeun’s Climate-resilient Farming with the Nurture Project

The Nurture project in collaboration with East-West Seed – Knowledge Transfer is implementing the Nurture Veg initiative, which aims to support 2,600 smallholder farmers to improve their vegetable cultivation. The initiative will empower 100 key farmers, half of whom are women, with agroecological and climate-resilient techniques like effective water management, land preparation, safe and efficient use of pesticides, composting, and natural pesticides, enabling them to reduce their chemical use. By applying these new methods, farmers can produce safer vegetables and double their vegetable yields, leading to increased family income and improved food security. In addition to gaining knowledge of agricultural techniques, farmers will learn how to assess and meet the market’s specific needs.

“This hot weather has made growing vegetables incredibly difficult. Thanks to the Nurture Project, I learned proper methods and received all the necessary agricultural supplies. This support has enabled me to overcome this challenge and double my yield – something I never thought possible!”
Ron Saroeun, a 29-year-old farmer in Battambang.

Under the scorching sun, Saroeun was cleaning the water filter and inspecting the water drip system in his farm, situated adjacent to his home. He was preparing to water his cucumbers and wax gourds. Since August 2023, Saroeun has been an active key farmer who is currently being supported by project partner East-West Seed’s Knowledge Transfer. He underwent a significant transformation in both his agricultural practices and beliefs regarding his vegetable farm. Previously experiencing low and inconsistent yields due to the hot weather and reliance on luck rather than proper techniques, Saroeun had been hesitant to invest significant effort into his farming “I used to apply chemical fertilizers and pesticides randomly on my vegetables.” he added, “This approach not only failed to benefit my crops but also led to various issues. Sometimes my vegetables didn’t grow well, other times they died prematurely, and often they didn’t yield a satisfactory harvest.”

Limited knowledge of vegetable cultivation techniques, coupled with the recent extreme heat caused by climate change, made it increasingly difficult for Saroeun to earn enough income to support his family, including his elderly mother, wife, and six month-old baby. They were already facing financial hardship as an economically disadvantaged household (ID poor).

Through engaging in the Nurture Project, Saroeun is more hopeful about the future as he benefits from regular training and support with vegetable cultivation and climate resilient agricultural techniques that have allowed him to overcome his previous challenges and achieve great results. Within just one month of harvesting, Saroeun achieved an impressive harvest of 1,000 kg each of cucumbers and wax gourds – marking a 100% increase compared to the produce yielded through conventional practices.

“I’m impressed with the new approaches, techniques, and support I’ve received from the project. It has not only helped me overcome my previous challenges and achieve higher yields, significantly increasing my income, but it has also made my vegetables safer by reducing my reliance on chemicals.”

Unlike before, when he relied heavily on chemicals, Saroeun now regularly consults with EWS-KT technical trainer whenever he encounters a problem with his vegetables. For example, instead of spraying chemical pesticides to control insects, he now uses yellow traps. This solution is not only inexpensive and safe, but also highly effective. Encouraged by his success, Saroeun plans to expand his farm to cultivate a wider variety of vegetables and further increase his income.