CAC News
Kampong Thom, Feb. 10, 2026 — The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), in collaboration with the Polytechnique Institute of Kampong Thom (PIKT), met with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday to discuss plans for training programs on cashew processing in Kampong Thom province. The meeting was coordinated by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training.

The discussion was part of a pre–fact-finding mission conducted by ADB to better understand CAC’s efforts in supporting cashew farmers to improve farming techniques, adapt to climate change, address challenges faced by local processors, and enhance export readiness.

Speaking during the meeting, CAC President Silot Uon said CAC has conducted 40 planned training sessions, benefiting more than 8,400 cashew farmers across 10 provinces. Each session  focused on practical, farm-based learning rather than direct financial assistance.

He added that CAC has carried out extensive field research and introduced affordable, home-made foliar solutions, including Highly Effective Microorganisms (HEM) and Indigenous Microorganism Bacillus subtilis (IMOBs). According to Mr. Silot, these techniques have increased cashew yields by more than 10 percent over the past four years while also reducing production costs.

CAC Vice President Suy Kokthean highlighted labor shortages as one of the main contributors to high production costs in the cashew processing sector. He noted that local processors often need to hire foreign technicians when machinery in the production chain breaks down, resulting in significant delays and expenses. He also pointed to weak management practices among processors, stressing the need for capacity building in areas such as business planning and financial management.

During the mission, ADB introduced the Skill Development Fund (SDF) to CAC and PIKT as a potential source of financing for vocational training. ADB encouraged CAC to jointly develop training curricula with PIKT to attract more skilled workers for the planned Cashew Industrial Park (CIP).

“Once the Cashew Industrial Park officially launches, we need to have sufficient human resources to meet the requirements of foreign companies without delay,” Silot said.