The government approved a draft law on the National Cassava Policy 2020-2025 in a bid to boost processing for export to international markets and attract investment to the industry.

The draft law was given the green light on August 14 during a closed-door Cabinet meeting at the Council of Ministers chaired by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The law aims to transform the Kingdom into a sustainable producer, processor and supplier of cassava for the regional and global market, the government said in a press release.

The policy outlines three primary objectives – first, the transition from traditional or family-based cassava operations to commercial production, as well as the application of agricultural techniques that enable farmers to earn high incomes and manage land to meet changing human needs, and brings them closer to climate-smart agriculture.

Second, support for cassava processors that can expeditiously supply the market with value-added cassava products, as well as initiatives to draw in more investment in the sector.

Third, creating and sustaining a competitive trade advantage through a unified inter-sectoral approach among entities relevant to exports by promoting market penetration and dimensions, streamlining trade processes and cutting unnecessary costs.

UN Development Project (UNDP) resident representative in Cambodia Nick Beresford told The Post that National Cassava Policy 2020-2025 sets a clear vision for the cassava sector to move up the value chain so more of the gains from this expanding sector are captured in the Kingdom.http://www.phnompenhpost.com/business/new-law-boon-cassava-exports