In Cambodia, rice cultivation occupies some 2 million ha - or 90% of the total agricultural area - and is the major source of farm income. In 2003, rice production was estimated at 4.3 million tonnes, with yields averaging slightly more than 2 tonnes/ha. In 1995, the government reported self-sufficiency in rice production and exported small amounts.
Rice ecosystems in Cambodia are divided into four major types: rainfed lowlands (including areas with supplementary irrigation), rainfed uplands, areas of deepwater/floating cultivation, and dry season irrigated land. About 58 percent of the harvested rice comes from rainfed lowland ecologies, and 32 percent from deepwater ecologies. As part of a strategy to reduce risks and to distribute labour, many farmers still plant several rice varieties in the same field in separate small plots. About 70 to 80 percent of the dry season cultivated areas are under high yielding varieties.
Government research and development efforts supported by IRRI and other organizations aim at increasing productivity through the development of improved varieties, more efficient use of fertilizer, and better cropping systems, water use and pest control.
The rice banana cake has been baked in Cambodia for centuries. Cambodians use this cake as a dessert for serving at wedding ceremonies and on other special occasions.