Demand for organic vegetables grown in insect-proof greenhouses is booming in local markets. Unlike field farming, which is limited to the rainy season, these net houses allow farmers to cultivate year-round, thanks to government support and a shift from conventional methods to ones not involving chemical fertilisers.
The Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries is encouraging farmers to form agricultural cooperatives, even providing loans to help them get started. This has led many farmers in provincial communities to turn to net house vegetable production, which enables them to harvest up to 10 times all year round.
Un Oeun, president of the Samaki Trapeang Chak Agriculture Community in Tram Kak commune in Takeo province's Tram Kak district, says the community is transitioning from family farming to a broader model. The shift is reflected in their 99 farming members and over 600 net houses, with 90 households dedicated to organic vegetable production.
"Before granting loans, credit officers evaluated each farmer's productivity to prevent misuse of funds. The officers were highly supportive of farming in greenhouses," Oeun says. He says the group receives comprehensive support from the agriculture department, which provides guidance on cultivation techniques, while the Takeo provincial Department of Commerce assists with technical aspects, market access and other support work. He notes that net houses offer several advantages. Unlike open fields, they shield vegetables from pests, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides and safeguarding farmers' health.
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