From fields to markets: Impact of WorldVeg postharvest interventions in Cambodia

The project ‘Strengthening safe and off-season vegetable production in Cambodia – Scaling’ is making vegetables more available, affordable, and accessible. This initiative is transforming the lives of smallholder farmers by increasing year-round production of safe vegetables, and by identifying, implementing and scaling postharvest technologies to reduce losses along the value chain. It trains farmers on postharvest management and handling of tomatoes, yardlong beans and cabbages during dry and wet seasons, equipping them with the tools for a brighter future.

WorldVeg’s unique and comprehensive strategy, beginning with participatory stakeholder consultations, is a testament to the successes seen in many villages in the provinces of Kandal, Prey Veng and Kampong Cham. The project addresses several challenges, including poor quality and limited shelf-life of vegetables, incidence of postharvest diseases and rejections by buyers, dependency on local markets and lack of alternatives, lack of processing or value addition, high costs of production and low prices for vegetables for farmers. The project sought to ensure a comprehensive and effective solution, by understanding the prevailing postharvest issues affecting the quality of fresh produce, the perspectives of key players in the chain including producers, collectors and retailers, and addressing their distinct needs.

Farmer field visits evaluated postharvest handling, identified strengths and weaknesses in the approaches, optimized resource utilization, and improved overall efficiency. The results were crucial in planning suitable interventions, collaborating with farmers to develop action plans, and providing constructive feedback and practical recommendations. The WorldVeg team then visited farms to deliver tailored technical support on postharvest management and handling practices, and direct engagement allowed for immediate problem-solving and implementation of practical solutions in areas such as harvesting methods, hygiene practices, packaging, and transport approaches.

Theory classes and practical sessions educated 250 participants on post-harvest management and handling of specified crops, including government personnel and local farmers. The training sessions offered detailed insights to help participants enhance their current practices. Demonstrations provided attendees with direct visual evidence of field heat management, appropriate harvesting methods, and the significance of sorting, grading practices, and simple packaging in influencing produce quality.

Feedback after training highlighted significant improvements such as enhanced quality, freshness, and shelf-life, reduced postharvest losses, improved sorting and grading practices, and better handling practices were adopted. These improvements facilitate transportation over long distances to premium markets, small scale value addition, and new product opportunities. Reduced production costs, labor costs and postharvest losses all contribute to higher farm incomes, increased demand, fewer rejections, and extended shelf life.

Farmers appreciated the training very much. Mrs Srey Chinh Aing from Kampong Cham province, told how “I attended the training and now use plastic crates for harvesting cucumbers, which are then packed and sent to local markets. The training has significantly improved my postharvest management techniques.” Mrs Samreth Soksan, leader of a vegetable producer group in Kandal province said “After attending the training, I applied the techniques on my farm and was happy to see a 90% reduction in losses. Proper packing also gave me higher prices because my products are of higher quality. I sincerely thank the trainers.” Mr Ly Sok, from the same village, added “The training has helped me in the same ways. I have increased my income and will continue applying these techniques to improve my family’s livelihood. Thank you to the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Kandal, and WorldVeg Experts.”

This success story showcases the transformative impact of targeted postharvest interventions, empowering Cambodian farmers to thrive in a competitive market while ensuring a sustainable future for vegetable production in the region.

This reports results from the project ‘Strengthening safe and off-season vegetable production in Cambodia – Scaling’ implemented by the World Vegetable Center and the General Directorate of Agriculture, Cambodia. It is funded the Taiwan Ministry of Agriculture, with supporting partner the Agricultural Chemicals Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Taiwan.

Sujayasree OJ and Uon Bonnarith