Cambodia to introduce EV tractors to boost farming
Cambodian farmers will soon use electric tractors instead of traditional ones to enhance farming activities in the country.
The two-wheel EV tractors aim at cutting farming costs, reducing pollution, and making work easier, especially for women and young people.
Farmers currently spend a lot on labour and growing crops like corn or potatoes.
The EV tractors which run on electricity will solve this problem by replacing manual labour with modern technology.
They will also reduce pollution and protect the environment as they do not require fuel to run.
Kiripost also reports that these tractors will also be smart with cameras to check crops for pests and fertilizer needs, helping farmers avoid using too many chemicals.
With this technology, farmers will soon be able to control activities on their farms using a smartphone from up to 200 metres away.
Rather than selling EV tractors to individual farmers, the project plans to have service providers own them. One owner will be able to help 100 to 300 farmers in a community. The project is also working with banks and private companies to support the production of these tractors in Cambodia.
Testing is still ongoing on the tractors with the first trials scheduled to take place in S'ang district in Kandal province and Malai district in Banteay Meanchey province, focusing on vegetable, corn, and potato farming.
The project is backed by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), which is investing $6 million over five years.
Australian researchers from the University of Sydney and Murdoch University are working with Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture to ensure the tractors are suitable for local farmers.
ACIAR’s CEO, Professor Wendy Umberger, said the goal is to help Cambodian farmers use modern technology while protecting the land for the future.
