Stung Treng Governor Sor Soputra has expressed significant concern regarding the recurring disputes between farmers and agricultural brokers, an issue that frequently escalates during harvest seasons. The Governor highlighted that a fundamental lack of trust and integrity between these parties is the primary factor contributing to the fluctuating and unpredictable prices of agricultural products in the market.
He noted that past complaints reveal a consistent pattern where farmers accuse traders of exploiting harvest periods to drive down prices to their lowest possible points. Conversely, traders have countered these accusations by stating that some farmers engage in dishonest practices, such as mixing soil or rocks into their harvested crops to artificially increase weight and deceive buyers.
In an effort to foster a sustainable and stable agricultural market, Governor Soputra has strongly urged both sellers and buyers to uphold absolute honesty and fairness in their transactions. He emphasized, “If both sellers and buyers are honest with each other, market prices will remain stable, or may even see an increase.” The Governor acknowledged the complex cycle of distrust, where sellers often complain about buyers consistently lowering prices, while buyers hesitate due to the perceived dishonesty of some farmers who adulterate their produce. His message underscored the critical importance of mutual honesty to ensure a fair and equitable agricultural trade environment for all stakeholders in Stung Treng province.
