| Sumario: | Cambodia has shifted from being a rice importer to a net exporter. Further rice yield improvement is essential to maintain self-sufficiency and increase export capacity. Current yields are low and causes for yield gaps are not understood.
Objective
To perform a detailed yield-gap analysis by rice type and water regime to determine available room for yield increase and entry points for improving crop management.
Methodology
We collected data on yield and management practices from farmer fields across six provinces in Cambodia during 2022–2023 period (n = 2036 field-year observations). Average yields were compared against simulated yield potential to estimate current yield gaps and estimate rice production potential. Random forest analysis and regression tree analysis were used to identify explanatory factors for yield gaps.
Results and Discussion
Average yield was 4.0 and 2.9 Mg ha−1 for non-aromatic and aromatic rice, respectively, representing 46 % and 52 % of the simulated yield potential based on local weather. Main factors explaining yield gaps were seed source and low nitrogen fertilizer rate. Achieving 70–80 % of yield potential could increase national rice production by 7 Mt, representing a 56 % increase from the current level.
Significance
Our study provides key information to orient national agricultural research and development programs and policy. Our case study for Cambodia shows that yield intensification could allow rice importing countries to achieve, not only self-sufficiency, but also develop capacity to export rice, leading to positive economic and social outcomes.
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