On August 26th around 9 a.m., Deputy Director So Farina and her team from the Documentation Center of Cambodia visited the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Mondulkiri Province and spoke to Mr. Seng Sao, Head of the Agronomy and Agricultural Productivity Office of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Mondulkiri Province. The main focus of the discussion was on the importance of coffee cultivation and the growing opportunities for developing the local coffee industry.
Coffee planting in Mondulkiri began in the 1990s, but many projects were disrupted and eventually halted during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, only a small number of farmers in the province continued to cultivate coffee. However, there are now growing opportunities for farmers to either purchase seedlings independently or collaborate with Kofi Co., Cambodia’s largest coffee supplier, to access resources and support.
While the province has suitable conditions for growing coffee, only raw coffee beans are produced locally, and they are later processed and roasted by Kofi or other companies, as Mondulkiri currently lacks modern processing facilities.
Mondulkiri’s geography and climate make it particularly suitable for growing Robusta coffee, which is more resilient and easier to cultivate under the local weather conditions. Arabica coffee is also highly valued, but it requires higher elevations, typically above 800 meters above sea level, to thrive. The region’s highlands, ranging from 500 to 1,200 meters, are well suited for both types, but specialized skills and proper training are essential to ensure successful cultivation.
Currently, there is a 50-60 hectares of land for coffee plantation in Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri. Farmers can expect coffee plants to begin flowering or bearing fruit within 3 to 4 months after planting, though the trees typically take around 3 years to mature and begin full production.
Notably, Mondulkiri has recently announced plans to expand coffee plantations by 2,000 hectares. This expansion aims to create economic opportunities for local farmers, who are invited to volunteer their labor in exchange for gaining hands-on experience and specialized knowledge in coffee farming.
Overall, it was an insightful visit that highlighted the growing potential of coffee as a key resource in Mondulkiri, and its capacity to bring long-term benefits to local communities.
Report by Chey Chansineth
Team: Chey Chansineth, Lim I-Phing, Sok Vannak, Mony Bunsen and So Farina
Photo by Mony Bunsen
Date: August 26, 2025