CAC News
Preah Vihear Province, Roveang— The Cashew Nut Association of Cambodia (CAC), under the leadership of its president, Silot Uon, has partnered with UT Crop Protection Co., Ltd. to conduct an outreach program aimed at strengthening cashew farmers’ resilience to climate change on October 29.
Held in Roveang District, Preah Vihear Province, the session brought together 40 local cashew farmers to discuss strategies for adapting cultivation practices to shifting weather patterns and rising pest and disease pressures.
During the workshop, experts highlighted how changes in annual rainfall, off-season tropical rains, storms, and reduced sunlight exposure are increasingly disrupting cashew production. These environmental factors, they noted, directly influence pest activity and the spread of diseases affecting cashew trees.
Participants received in-depth training on identifying and managing common pests such as tea mosquito bugs, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and mealybugs. The CAC emphasized careful pest monitoring and the importance of rotating pesticide ingredients to prevent resistance. Farmers were also reminded to limit chemical use and apply pesticides only when necessary.
On the disease management front, blossom blight and anthracnose were identified as two major threats, particularly in humid and rainy conditions. To mitigate risks, trainers recommended improved orchard sanitation and measures to reduce acidic dew exposure on flowers and young nuts.
In addition to pest and disease control, the workshop addressed broader issues affecting productivity, including flower and nut loss due to nutrient deficiencies and incomplete fertilization. Experts underscored the importance of balanced fertilization, ensuring adequate levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and boron, as well as promoting better pollination practices.
CAC President Silot Uon reaffirmed the CAC’s commitment to helping farmers build climate resilience and maintain productivity. “Cashew farmers are facing new challenges every year due to climate change. By sharing knowledge and practical techniques, we can safeguard both yields and livelihoods,” he said.
The initiative forms part of CAC’s ongoing efforts to enhance sustainable cashew production and support capacity-building programs for farmers across Cambodia’s key cashew-growing regions.
