From Minefields to Rice Fields

For many Cambodian farmers, land ownership represents security and opportunity for future generations. But for Saman, that dream nearly turned into a nightmare. In 2018, after years of saving and taking out a bank loan, he purchased 10 hectares of land to expand his farm. What he didn’t know was that decades earlier, this same land had been contaminated with landmines — a deadly legacy left behind by the Khmer Rouge and the wars that followed.

The Khmer Rouge, a regime that ruled Cambodia from 1975 to 1979, led a campaign of violence that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. During their rule and the civil wars that followed, millions of landmines were laid across the country to defend military positions and control movement. 

For years, Saman could not use the land he had worked so hard to buy, leaving him with debt but no way to earn a return on his investment. That changed when APOPO and CMAC, through the Minefields to Rice Fields project supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), came to clear the land. Now, he is finally able to farm safely, producing more rice than ever before.

Siem Saman’s Story

“My name is Saman, and I am 44 years old. I come from a village nearby, and I’ve been living here since 2002 — so it’s been over 20 years. I am married to my wife, who is 43 years old, and together, we have four children. Our oldest son is a farmer like me. The second, who is 18, works as a driver for the harvest machine during the harvesting season, often helping our neighbors as well — he just started this year. Our third son is 15 years old, and the youngest, who is 12, still goes to school along with his brother. 

My family owns 16 hectares of land — 10 of these were cleared by APOPO, and the other 6 hectares are land I was already using. I bought the 10 hectares in 2018. Back then, the price for land was low — around $250 per hectare — but even so, it was very expensive for me. I took out a mortgage from the bank to buy it, thinking the land was just covered with bushes and that I could clear it with hard work.

Later, I discovered why no one was using it — the area was contaminated with landmines.

I learned that the Khmer Rouge had been active there and had mined the area, even near a pond. I was devastated when I found out. I had worked so hard to buy that land, taking on debt, only to realize it was unsafe and unusable.

When APOPO and CMAC came and removed the landmines, I was so relieved to finally be able to use it and to know that it was safe. There were still a few bushes left, but most of it was ready to use right away. Now, if I wanted to sell that land, the value is more than $1,000 per hectare — four times what I paid.

In the 10 hectares that were cleared, I plant mostly rice. Last year, which was the first year I was able to use the cleared land, I harvested 10 tons of rice. Before that, from the 6 hectares I could use, I only managed to produce around 500 kilograms. Of course, much of that land was smaller and less productive, but the difference now is remarkable. 

The rice seeds provided by APOPO and FCDO through CordAid have made a big difference. These seeds are excellent compared to the ones I was using before. The yield is much higher per square meter, and the plants grow at the same time, unlike before when they matured unevenly. The taste and smell of the rice are wonderful — like a perfume.

Rice is such an important part of our culture — we eat it every single day: in the morning, at lunch, and for dinner. Sometimes we even have it as a snack, like sticky rice. My family alone eats about 10 “can” of rice per day. Without rice, there is no life.

The price of this rice is also higher, so I can not only produce much more but sell it at a better price. Many people I know have already asked me directly to buy some of my rice, and I think this year, I’ll start selling it directly to them. With this improvement in production, I was able to afford new farming materials, including an “iron buffalo” — which is what we call a small tractor. It helps me reach and work in the rice fields and transport materials. That is a great accomplishment for me. I’ve also been able to buy clothes for my children and pay their school fees without worrying.

My dream for the future is that my family will live a happy, safe life. I want to thank APOPO, FCDO, CMAC, CordAid and all the supporters of this project. I am so happy and grateful for everything they have done.“