Cambodia: Centre eyes potatoes for a changing diet

Cambodia’s first experimental farm and research centre for potato cultivation opened yesterday as experts confirmed that the Kingdom’s soils are suitable for the starchy tuber – raising hopes that local crops could one day satisfy the fast-food cravings that have put potatoes in high demand. The facility is located on the campus of Royal University of Agriculture. Minister of Agriculture Veng Sakhon said his ministry recently test-planted potatoes on small plots in mountainous Mondulkiri province. The results of the experiment proved that the crop can be grown in Cambodia’s tropical soils, and will likely succeed in Kratie and Ratanakkiri provinces as well, he said. “The trend of eating foods made from potatoes is increasing in Cambodia, especially among youth,” Sakhon said. “So, we are trying to plant them to supply to the market.” The minister referred to the rising demand for french fries, potato chips and other potato-based foods. More