Rice Policy Discussion Paper

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Rice Policy Discussion Paper

July 17, 2013

The overall purpose of this paper is to examine the role of agriculture and food policy in Cambodia’s pursuit of industrialization. It begins with a brief review of economic trends, sources of growth and structural weaknesses. It then goes on to discuss the role of agriculture focusing on performance, volatility and linkages, followed by a review of food policy issues from the perspective of producers, millers, consumers and the State. The paper also reviews various state interventions and strategies before going on to discuss the vexing “land reforms”. It ends with a call for a pro-poor, pro-rural bias in policy but acknowledges hurdles stemming from political economy considerations.

The paper is based on a desk review of secondary material along with the extant literature in the field of agricultural development, food policy and industrialization, with a special focus on the relevance of the South East Asian (SEA) or regional experience for Cambodia. It has also benefited greatly from stakeholder feedback obtained during a technical workshop and a brainstorming session with The Supreme National Economic Council (SNEC).