In Preah Vihear, the meeting aimed to update the participants on the progress of MetKasekor's activities in 2023. Mr. Dy Reaksmey, Chief of the Extension Office of the Preah Vihear Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries presented progress updates on the implementation of MetKasekor in the province. Mr. Choun Dean, Technical and Field Officer of CARDEC (Conservation Agriculture Research for Development Centre) delivered a presentation on the monitoring activities carried out in various locations of MetKasekor. Dr. Kong Rada, National Project Coordinator of ASSET (Agroecology& Safe Food System Transition) Project shared the activities to be implemented and discussed the collaboration between ASSET and MetKasekor. The meeting also facilitated discussions on challenges faced during implementation and allowed participants to make requests and recommendations related to MetKasekor's implementation in Preah Vihear.

 

"I am very keen and enthusiastic to see everyone in our team coming together to discuss and set a work plan for the implementation on the ground as the farming season has begun. I also appreciate the technical support we have received from the three departments, namely the Department of Extension for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DEAFF), the Department of Agricultural Land Resources Management (DALRM), and the Department of Agricultural Engineering (DAEng). It was truly invaluable. Our Provincial Department is eager and ready to implement the rest of the activities of MetKasekor on the ground from this month onward." Said Mr. Srun Borin, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Preah Vihear.

 

  Meanwhile, in Battambang, the focus was on providing technical training and updates. Mrs. Sear Kimnay, Chief of the Extension Office of Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries delivered the presentation on implementing each step of MetKasekor and the practice of conservation agriculture. She also shared progress updates on the MK IT Platform, a valuable tool for stakeholders. Additionally, discussions were held on integrated activities between MetKasekor and Dei Meas. The Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries also presented progress updates on the implementation of MetKasekor activities in the province. Mr. Sar Veng of CARDEC provided updates on the progress of practicing conservation agriculture on the ground and the registration of farmers affiliated with Dei Meas.

 

"I am optimistic that MetKasekor will reach out to more farmers and service providers in Battambang this year. We have already expanded our model to six new locations in three districts of Battambang, namely Rattanak Mundul, Sangke, and Banan. It's great to see that more and more farmers in the province are showing interest in practicing conservation agriculture. Our next step is to ensure that the machinery service is readily available on the ground to meet the increasing demand from farmers. With the growing interest and support, I believe we can make a significant impact in promoting sustainable farming practices in Battambang." Said Mrs. Sear Kimnay Chief of the Extension Office of Battambang Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

 

Both meetings served as important platforms to address implementation challenges and plan future activities. In Preah Vihear, the focus was on fostering collaboration between ASSET and MetKasekor, while the technical team from the Provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries in Battambang worked together to overcome challenges encountered during their on-ground activities. These discussions enabled participants to strategize and plan the activities to be implemented starting in June in Preah Vihear. Similarly, in Battambang, stakeholders discussed upcoming activities in the province, aligning their efforts and working towards the shared objective of promoting sustainable agriculture. The MetKasekor Monthly Technical Meeting served as an essential platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and progress tracking in both Preah Vihear and Battambang provinces. The presentations and discussions provided valuable insights into the implementation of MetKasekor's activities, helping stakeholders make informed decisions and improve their approaches. By addressing challenges, delivering training, and sharing updates, these meetings contribute to the overall success of MetKasekor in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and enhancing agricultural productivity in Cambodia. The technical meetings were attended by 28 participants.