Research boosts rice yields in Cambodia

Murdoch University research training funded by AusAID is making a significant contribution to increasing rice production in Cambodia, a former major rice exporter.

By helping develop new technologies and re-establishing rice research infrastructure, the Cambodia-International Rice Research Institute-Australia Project (CIAP) has already made big inroads in the civil-war ravaged country.

"Training Cambodian scientists is a critical part of the long term strategy of the CIAP," said Dr Richard Bell, Senior Lecturer in Land Management at Murdoch University.

In 1992 Dr Bell visited Cambodia to review the Integrated Nutrient Management programme of CIAP.

This visit led to the establishment of links with Murdoch graduate, Dr Harry Nesbitt — the leader of the CIAP — and Dr Peter White, another Western Australian working for CIAP.

As a result, three Cambodian scientists have undertaken postgraduate studies at Murdoch under the supervision of Dr Bell.

"The research projects have been conducted from both countries to ensure the research remains relevant to Cambodia's needs," said Dr Bell.

"CIAP is providing in-country supervision for students, as well as the resources necessary for them to carry out field and glasshouse experiments."

At Murdoch, students have concentrated on laboratory analysis and glasshouse studies using facilities not available in Cambodia, as well as literature studies to take advantage of the excellent library facilities.

"In many ways this programme represents an ideal arrangement for training overseas postgraduate students," added Dr Bell.

"They get to work on problems directly relevant to their work, their country gains directly from the outcomes of the research, and the students can commence postgraduate work fully oriented to the job needs.

"At the same time students enjoy the stimulation of working and studying in a new environment to acquire new research skills, and develop expertise in advanced techniques."

The first of the Cambodians to complete his studies is Ros Chhay who is now heading the Integrated Nutrient Management programme of CIAP.

Ros studied the role of nutrient management in the seedbed for the subsequent growth and yield of rice on the low fertility soils of Cambodia.

He found substantial potential benefits from a strategy of fertilising the seedbed.

Since few Cambodian farmers use much fertiliser, strategies maximising benefits from small additions of fertiliser are eagerly sought.

Ros will from 1 July 1999 head the Cambodian end of a new project funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, "A System to Reduce Risk in the Adoption of Rice Production Technologies in Cambodia".

This project under the leadership of Dr Bell will continue the strong links with Murdoch University.