Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television Station, August 19. Recent Cambodia–Thailand border tensions have stoked nationalist sentiment and encouraged people to buy Cambodian goods, particularly foods such as fresh milk. Industry sources described it as a rare opportunity for local dairies, although supply still falls well short of demand.
The Cambodian food producers’ association said locally produced fresh milk had rapidly gained market share, reaching around a quarter. Its chair said the border tensions had encouraged consumers to switch to local brands and had spared domestic businesses from disruption. Some nonessential goods, such as cosmetics, could face temporary shortages, while basic needs could still be met.
Cambodia needs about 100,000 litres of fresh milk per day and produces only around 20,000 locally. The Kirisu farm in Takeo province keeps more than 1,000 dairy cows, about half of which can produce milk. It supplies around 14,000 litres a day and plans to bring in more cattle over the coming year to lift daily production to 30,000–40,000 litres.
Other major sources include Moo Moo farm in Kandal province, Techo Sen Russey Treb farm established by the Royal Academy of Cambodia in Preah Vihear province, and O'More farm in Phnom Penh. Daily production at these farms ranges from hundreds of litres to more than a thousand litres.
Industry analysts say the rise in local purchasing has given dairies fresh momentum. Expanding herds, improving supply chains and gradually closing the production gap remain urgent challenges.
Compiled by the station.
