PM Criticizes Opposition Remarks

Written by DAP NEWS -- Sunday, 23 August 2009 02:52

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen on Saturday confirmed that drought has hit some areas of the kingdom and has affected rice seedlings.
“Drought has occurred seriously in some districts in Pursat, Prey Veng, and Takeo provinces, and other areas,” he said at a ceremony with farmers in Pursat province.
“This year, rain patterns have been so strange because some areas have much rain and some have only low levels of rainwater,” he added. “Where the drought occurred and we have water sources, we have to intervene directly to help them through using water pumps to help their rice seedling survive.” “Where there are water sources, we do not allow rice seedling to become dry or die, and we have to use all our ability to help them.”
“All involved government agencies, including troops, need to join together to help farmers and we must use all intervention,” the premier said. “Even though the price of gasoline for water pump is high, we have to help farmers with drought in their area.” He said that local farmers should change rice planting techniques to help create a surplus for export. Last year, Cambodia had over 2 million tons of surplus rice for export.
“Over 85 per cent of land for plan- ting rice across the country already planted rice,” Hun Sen said.
Funds of US$12 million to help ease the difficulties of those currently suffering from the drought will apparently be released soon, he said.