Cambodia Accelerates Irrigation Land Registration for Development

• Sommana Yan
• 10 February 2025
• Local News
• 1601 Views

In a significant move to bolster agricultural development, Cambodia is intensifying efforts to register irrigation land and reservoirs across the country. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, aims to classify these vital resources as public property to enhance management and ensure sustainable use.

During a meeting held on 6 February 2025, HE Chhea Bunrith, the Permanent Secretary of State, emphasised the importance of clearly defining the boundaries of the nation’s irrigation basins. This strategic registration is essential for the effective administration and future development of Cambodia’s water resources.

To facilitate this process, HE Chhea Bunrith instructed the regional Departments of Water Resources and Meteorology to prioritise the registration of the remaining reservoirs and water basins. This includes thorough technical studies to accurately determine landline elevations and close collaboration with relevant authorities to establish clear boundaries.

Currently, Cambodia boasts 1,562 reservoirs and water basins that require registration. As of now, only 240 have been registered, while 432 are in the process of registration, leaving 890 yet to be addressed, according to a report from the Ministry of Land Management dated 29 January 2025. (Read more)

In parallel efforts, the Ministry of Land Management has successfully registered over 7.7 million parcels of private land to date, issuing title deeds for 7 million parcels and surveying an additional 3 million new parcels. The ministry is on track to complete all land registrations by the end of 2025.

This initiative reflects Cambodia’s commitment to enhancing agricultural efficiency and ensuring that irrigation systems are well-managed for the benefit of all citizens.

• land development and policy