The main problems and challenges faced by small farmers in Cambodia when using tractors:
Insufficient tractor repair and maintenance capabilities
Rural areas generally lack professional agricultural machinery maintenance service points. Once the tractor malfunctions (such as engine burning oil emitting blue smoke, hydraulic system failure), farmers often find it difficult to repair it in a timely manner. Many cheap tractors in Cambodia have poor sealing, causing mud and water to enter
The gears wear out quickly, leak oil, and make abnormal noises, which won't last long
Many small farmers lack basic maintenance knowledge and neglect daily maintenance (such as not regularly changing lubricating oil, ignoring blocked ventilation holes), resulting in shortened equipment lifespan.
The supply of spare parts is unstable, especially in remote provinces, where replacing parts requires long-distance transportation, which is costly and time-consuming.
The purchase and use cost pressure of tractors is high
Despite the government's zero tariff import policy and partial loan support, a medium-sized tractor still costs tens of thousands of dollars, which is a heavy burden for most small farmers.
Fluctuations in fuel prices and rapid depreciation of equipment result in high long-term operating costs. Some farmers are unable to afford maintenance costs and ultimately "can't afford to buy or use it".
Lack of operational skills and training
Many tractor operators lack systematic training and have operational errors, such as:
Immediately perform heavy load operations after starting, exacerbating engine wear and tear;
Misuse of differential lock during turning, damaging the transmission system;
Long term full throttle operation leads to fatigue of acceleration components.
The lack of operational capabilities for smart devices has limited the promotion of precision agriculture technology.
Difficulties in adapting water resources to terrain
The dry season soil in Cambodia is hard, and tractor operations are limited, especially in areas with incomplete irrigation systems, which greatly reduces the efficiency of mechanization.
The small plots are scattered, the field ridges are narrow, and large machinery is difficult to operate. The rice season is tight, and the tractor is broken for several days. Although small tractors have strong adaptability, they still require frequent turns and transfers, which affects the continuity of operations.
The mud around Lake Tonle Sap and the rice paddies on the Mekong River are deep, and ordinary tires sink as soon as they enter.
The policy and service system are not sound
The development of agricultural mechanization lacks unified planning, and there is a shortage of technical personnel in local agricultural departments, making it difficult to effectively provide technical support.
Although micro financial institutions provide loans, the approval process is complex and the coverage is limited, making it difficult to meet the needs of a large number of farmers.
New challenges brought about by changes in labor structure
The outflow of young and middle-aged labor force to cities or neighboring countries has made left behind elderly and women the main farming groups, with limited physical strength and greater reliance on machinery, but also more difficult to master complex operations.
