The first-ever native chicken breeding programme in Cambodia and South-East Asia, aiming to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers in Cambodia by using native chicken breeds to develop a new generation of chickens with faster growth rates and better health, has seen remarkable success.

During a visit to a chicken farm in Takeo province recently, H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, observed impressive growth and improvement in the new generation of native chicken breeds called ‘Skouy’.

This progress is the result of collaborative efforts between Cambodian and international researchers, and local farmers over the past two years of the project, supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), according to the Australian Embassy in Phnom Penh.

The project team expressed gratitude for H.E. Minister’s visit, support, and insightful guidance. They are optimistic about the project’s potential and its success in improving local farmers’
livelihoods.

The project’s early results are impressive, as the first generation of these chickens is reaching market weight faster, leading to an increase in farmers’ income. This initiative is not only enhancing the native chicken breeds but also transforming the livelihoods of farmers.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse