0
“With an estimated annual human population growth rate of 1.8 percent, the projected meat demand in Cambodia from 2016 to 2024 is anticipated to increase from about 280,000 metric tons to 328,085 metric tons a year,” stated the MAFF report.
It indicated that about 1.35 million domesticated animals were slaughtered for meat throughout the country, to meet the population’s demand.
“Throughout the year, up to 55,292 cows, 1,155 buffaloes, 299,871 pigs, and 994,454 chickens were slaughtered to meet domestic demand for meat consumption,” the report stated.
While Cambodia’s demand for meat is on the rise, research by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) indicates that most livestock are raised by smallholders and the sector cannot meet the current and growing demand for animal source foods – particularly pork and chicken.Because of this, FAO said that pork and chicken are still imported from Vietnam and Thailand.
“Research is needed to devise breeding programs that will improve the productivity of different species of livestock, particularly pigs and poultry, to increase the supply of high quality and safe animal source foods to match consumer demand,” added FAO.
Thursday February 2, 2017/ Khmer Times/ Cambodia.
http://www.khmertimeskh.com
