地雷畑から自立復興につなぐ畑へ。芽ばえつつある加工産業を守れ

Turn minefields into arable land for self-reliance.  Let us protect the growing local processing industry!

 

Ryoji Takayama, Representative of NPO International Mine Clearance and Community Development Supporters (IMCCD)

 

 

18 years since our mine/UXO clearance was initiated.

 

"Gradually minefields turn into arable land.

Agriculture comes back and crops grow.

Processing and exporting crops enrich the locals' life".

 

 

IMCCD is aiming at supporting local industries for the district to be self-reliant.

 

The photo above shows 3.5 hectare of cassava fields, which were developed after clearing landmines.  The field used to be a bamboo grove and brush that made our mine action difficult.  Lots to be still developed, but we are relieved to see the seeds coming out in the field. 

 

When we arrived in Cambodia, we did not plan for development of local industries and we only focused on clearance of 2.4 millions of UXOs and 4-6 millions of landmines.

 

We, in the course of activity, realized that mine clearance would be only part of help but would not lead to self-sustainability.

 

Expanding from mine clearance to cultivation…  Our passion grows for restoration of Cambodia's foundation.

 

At present, IMCCD hives off food-processing operation to Khmer Distilling Co. Ltd. which was born in cooperation with locals.  The processed products are now avaialble at Phnom Phenh airport, Siem Riep airport, Shihanoukville airport, T Galleria DFS, markets at tourist sites.  We believe that the prosperity of this company implies the necessity of the processing industry and stimulates business growth in Cambodia to be self-reliant.

 

However, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus, the company's sales fell 80% and it is currently facing short of funds.

 

To pave the way for self-reliance, crops at 10 hectare of fields that we turned minefields into arable land should not be withered now.

 

"Your warm-hearted donation would be a great help to us in continuing our restoration activities.

 

If you decided to make a donation to our project, please send message to Facebook 「https://www.facebook.com/ryoji.takayama.77」.

Thank you！

 

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our website for more information: http://www.imccd.org/pg1155.html