ARDB and Techo Farmers Network Association Present “Four Bridges and One Shield” to Address Capital and Market Challenges for More Than 300 Farmers in Stueng District

The Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB), under the direct leadership of H.E. Dr. Kao Thach, Government Delegate in charge as the bank’s Chief Executive Officer and President of the Techo Farmers Network Association, led colleagues on a visit to meet with and check on more than 300 farmers on November 2, 2026, in Stueng District, Kampong Thom Province. The event was attended as guests of honor by H.E. Tang Mengleang, Deputy Governor of Kampong Thom Province; Mr. Yum Hoeun, Deputy Governor of Stueng District; and numerous representatives from the provincial Department of Agriculture, local authorities, commune chiefs, village chiefs and agricultural communities.

H.E. Dr. Kao Thach said the main purpose of the visit was to give farmers a clear understanding of ARDB’s support role, introduce them to the Techo Farmers Network Association, and discuss and address the practical challenges they face in farming in Stueng District.

With a long-term vision, the senior official provided a detailed explanation of the Techo Farmers Network Association’s core role, describing it as “four bridges and one shield” for farmers. The first bridge is a financial bridge connecting farmers with sources of capital; the second is a technical bridge bringing them new cultivation knowledge; the third is a market bridge helping find companies to purchase their agricultural products; and the fourth is a voice bridge conveying farmers’ hardships to leaders so they can be addressed promptly. The association also provides “one shield” to protect farmers’ legal rights and offer them legal advice.

Addressing concerns about capital, Dr. Kao Thach reiterated that ARDB is always ready to provide loans at low and affordable interest rates to help ensure farmers earn a return on their investments. He also urged farmers to pay close attention to water supplies in light of the effects of Super El Niño, which could cause water shortages in the future. In addition, he encouraged farmers to carefully calculate their rice production costs so they can clearly determine their profit or loss each time they sell their agricultural products.