Battambang: Ireland's Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, H.E. Noel Grealish TD, announced a funding of £800,000 (approximately US$870,000) in 2025 for a climate programme to be implemented by Oxfam in Cambodia.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the announcement was made during a ceremony attended by Mr. Sethi Pheng, Deputy Provincial Governor of Battambang, Ms. Sophoan Phean, Oxfam National Director, and relevant officials and local farmers. This programme is aimed at supporting rural communities in northern Cambodia through climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy, climate resilience, and rural development. The programme team will collaborate closely with the Royal Government of Cambodia to advance climate policies.
H.E. Noel Grealish TD, who is visiting Cambodia to mark St. Patrick's Day, made the funding announcement at the launch of an Irish-funded solar irrigation project in Wattamin commune. The project is intended to enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience for rural farmers in Cambodia. During the ceremony, H.E. Noel Grealish TD emphasized Ireland's focus on technology and innovation to add value and address challenges like environmental sustainability. He highlighted that smallholder farmers are pivotal to Cambodia's agricultural sector and future. The solar project exemplifies an investment in both technology and the future of sustainable agriculture in Cambodia.
Mr. Sethi Pheng expressed gratitude to Ireland for its support, noting Battambang's reputation as Cambodia's rice bowl and the importance of reliable irrigation for farmers. The solar irrigation project is seen as a means to boost agricultural productivity while supporting greener, sustainable practices in the province.
Ms. Sophoan Phean stated that the programme aims to tackle climate change in Cambodia's poorest regions. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between Ireland, the local government, partners, and the community in Battambang for effective climate action and sustainable development.
Minister of State H.E. Noel Grealish TD's visit also included meetings with his counterpart in the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and with academics at the Royal University of Agriculture to explore further cooperation opportunities between Ireland and Cambodia in agriculture.