Posted on January, 14 2025

Struggles with low yields and harmful practices
 

In Sre Khtum commune, 234 smallholder families faced persistent challenges while managing their rubber farms. With limited knowledge of tapping techniques and farm management, they faced significant issues with low latex yields, tapping dryness and tree diseases. Many farmers resorted to harmful tapping methods that damaged trees, reduced productivity and shortened the trees' production lifespan.

Mr Vorn Vet and his wife, Mrs Sok Kimsour, were one of the many families struggling with low rubber yields. On a 0.8ha plot of land with 450 trees, the couple tapped both upwards and downwards to stimulate latex flow. This practice resulted in just 40kg of rubber “cup lumps” per day. Vet and Kimsour also relied heavily on pesticides and applied stimulants twice a month, further degrading soil and tree health. These approaches not only hindered their productivity but also threatened the long-term viability of their farm.

Adopting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
 

Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions, WWF-Cambodia collaborated with partners to improve rubber farming practices for environmental and economic benefits. With funding from the French Agency for Development (AFD), our organization provided farmers in Sre Khtum with training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for rubber harvesting from 2022 to 2024. The training focused on improving tapping management, disease control and sustainable farm care.
 

After attending three GAP training sessions, Vet and Kimsour applied their learning to implement better practices. They applied 350kg of fertilizer subsidized by WWF-Cambodia (worth US$262) to their trees, providing the soil with essential nutrients. In addition, they reduced stimulant use to three times per year and eliminated pesticide use, opting to clear grass and weeds with manual tools.

Doubling productivity and income
 

Though seemingly minor, these changes had a dramatic impact. The couple’s rubber “cup lump” production increased to 90–100kg daily, effectively doubling their yield. Their improved techniques also translated to an additional 50kg of latex per day, earning their family an extra US$945 per month during harvesting season.

Reflecting on this success, Vet highlighted the importance of keeping their rubber trees and soil healthy.  “As humans, we eat two plates of food and then another meal a few hours later. Our soil and trees are similar; we take latex from them daily but don’t replenish what they need. Eventually, they will be unable to produce any longer.” By providing what their farms need to thrive, farmers can thrive alongside them.

Vet and Kimsour’s story highlights the power of knowledge and sustainable practices to ensure the long-term health of rubber farms. Through small changes, their family overcame significant challenges and transformed their livelihoods.

This training was made possible through the support of the General Directorate of Rubber, the Cambodian Rubber Research Institute, and the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, who provided technical expertise and on-farm coaching.