Coffee boom lifts Mondulkiri farmers

Indigenous farmers in Cambodia’s Mondulkiri province have sold nearly 700 tonnes of coffee beans to one of the country’s largest roasters, signalling a surge in domestic production as demand continues to outpace supply.

Kiri Coffee confirmed the purchase from growers in Busra commune, injecting close to $700,000 into the local economy. Company president Chin Cheyaboddh said the deal underscored a commitment to support indigenous communities by buying beans at market prices. “We want Mondulkiri coffee to move forward with pride while improving the livelihoods of our farmers,” he said.

The agreement follows discussions with the Techo Farmers Network Association on strengthening the sustainability of the province’s coffee value chain. Talks included proposals for agricultural credit and access to fertilisers, seedlings and technical equipment to help farmers expand cultivation.

Cambodia consumes around 20,000 tonnes of coffee annually, yet domestic production supplies only about 1,000 tonnes. The shortfall has been filled by imports, even as coffee culture grows rapidly in Phnom Penh and across the provinces, with branded cafés and mobile vendors multiplying.

Duk Piseth, president of the Cambodia Coffee Association, noted that local beans meet just 10% of national demand. “The number of outlets keeps rising, but production is still unable to match consumption,” he said, describing coffee as a strategic crop capable of delivering strong returns for farmers.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, cultivation has expanded to 705 hectares nationwide, with 563 hectares currently under harvest producing 1,333 tonnes of beans. Average yields stand at 2.36 tonnes per hectare, highlighting both progress and the potential for further growth.

For Mondulkiri’s indigenous farmers, the latest deal offers more than income: it represents recognition of their role in shaping Cambodia’s emerging coffee industry. With demand climbing and companies pledging long‑term support, the province is positioning itself at the heart of a sector still in its infancy but brimming with promise.

-2026-06-07