The smallholder rubber research programme in Cambodia: general presentation and preliminary results

As part of the Agricultural Productivity Improvement Project (APIP), funded by the World Bank, the purpose of the Smallholder Rubber Research Component (SRRC) is to produce the technical data needed to confirm Cambodians suitability for smallholder rubber development through the formulation and implementation of a smallholder research programme and training of national scientists and technicians. If the potential for smallholder rubber is good, it is anticipated that this would lead to a larger national project for smallholder rubber development implemented over a wider area. The programme, carried out by the Rubber Research Institute of Cambodia, has started in 1998 and up to now, a total of 27 trials (clones, fertilization, planting material, intercropping) have been established in 7 different areas. Preliminary results on rubber growth 1 and 2 years after plantings show interesting trends. The experimental network is scheduled to be completed in 2001. A socio-economic survey has been carried out early 2000 in four provinces in the aim to characterize access to land and willingness of the farmers for growing rubber in non-traditional areas.