Lesson 73: The Cycle of Rice Farming in Cambodia

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Fact & Info Desk

Lesson 73: Cambodian Geography & Nature (B1)

Research Mission: Read this overview of the rice farming cycle in Cambodia. Focus on the correct order of the different stages and understand why this process is so labor-intensive. Hover over the underlined words for definitions.

Agricultural Brief: The Rice Cycle

Rice is the staple food of Cambodia and the heart of its agriculture. The traditional farming cycle is heavily dependent on the annual monsoon rains.

The cycle usually begins in May or June with the arrival of the rain. Farmers prepare the soil by ploughing their fields, often using water buffalo or hired tractors. Next, seeds are sown densely in small nursery beds.

Once the seedlings are strong enough, farmers pull them up and transplant them by hand into the larger, flooded main fields. This stage is very labor-intensive and often involves the whole family or village working together.

Finally, around November or December, the rains stop and the rice plants turn from green to golden yellow. This signals the harvest season, when the rice is cut, collected, and prepared for eating or selling.

Academic Comprehension Check (B1)

1. What usually happens first when the rains arrive in May or June?

2. Why is the "transplanting" stage described as labor-intensive?

3. How do farmers know when it is time to harvest the rice?