Cambodia is not clearly specialized in some specific agricultural production yet. It is according to market trends. If market price in casava is well, farmers will tend to plant that casava. If market price for cashew nuts is also well, they will also tend to plant cashew tree. The market trend is according to demand of Cambodia’s neighboring countries. As of today, farmers tend to plant whatever they could cultivate and can sell it to market easily. Currently, cashew nut is still popular among farmers as they can sell it to traders from Vietnam.

Cashew is not only planted in Kampong Cham as Vutha mentioned in his blog, it is also planted in other provinces of the country like in Kampong Thom. The plantation has created jobs and generated income for farmers and those who are at rural areas.

However, it is still risky as the plantation is according to traders from Vietnam or from outside Cambodia. If it is a frequent change in plantation, Cambodia which as comparative advantages in agriculture will face difficulties in its specialization which could allow Cambodia to produce high yields and good quality products for export. It is a loss in terms of international trade.

While Cambodia is going and implementing its high priority in agricultural development, including rice production, it should be clearly that there is a global tendency of Cambodian farmers as a whole in any specialization of agricultural production. In addition, ensuring market price and market demand for farmers shall be taken seriously and this will be a prerequisite condition for specialization and international trade.