Permaculture farmers

[DrRawBlueGreen]

Hey people
I would like to know if there are any permaculture farmers on CEO, or if someone knows one? Or are there Khmer who have adopted this farming technique? I’ve read somewhere that it’s popularity is increasing. To be honest I’ve no idea about farming but still would love to have a farm and live mostly from my own produce. However, in no way I would set up a conventional farm, rather a permaculture or at least an organic farm. Any specialists here?

[frank lee bent]

There is a facebook group. A few farms around Kampot

[DrRawBlueGreen]

Thanks for that info. I preferred never to reactivate my fb account again. Never say never I guess

[chinadoc]

I would like to know if there are any permaculture farmers on CEO, or if someone knows one?

I would describe myself as an enthusiast rather than a specialist, although I did do my PDC under the tutelage of Geoff Lawton at Zaytuna Farm.
For the last couple of years, I have been up in the Himalalyas where things are slightly easier that in the tropical regions, but I do have some experience over in Thailand which will help considerably.
I am in the process of relocating to the North of the country, probably either SR or Battambang, and would be very interested to compare notes.

Doc

[DrRawBlueGreen]

Thx for your reply doc
I thought tropical and subtropical climates where perfect for farming as you can harvest more often. I read that in Cambodia permaculture farms can harvest up to three times a year. Sure they won’t harvest as much as conv. Farms but more often I thought. I’m sure it depends on your produce too. As you see I don’t have much knowledge about farming. Would appreciate meeting you and talk in person once I am in KOW.

[StroppyChops]

There's a Khmer hydroponics company that posts on FB, but note they charge foreigners more and make no apologies for it.

Edit: I think it's this one: Hydroponics in Cambodia & Kannika Modern Farm
https://www.facebook.com/HydroponicsInCambodia

[pczz]

not a great fan of hydroponics here. looked into it a year ago when i tried to find someone to play on 10 hectares by landlord had spare near kampong Speu rent free but no takers. he has a well and 3 ponds but in dry season the well is limted, mainly because because everyone else is drilling wells and draining the water table. Its not that easy to do hydro without using fertiliser of some kind and the equipment is expensive here

[StroppyChops]

... without using fertiliser of some kind and the equipment is expensive here

That's where aquaculture comes into it's own, you're paying for fish food rather than fertilizer. What equipment is expensive? It's all PVC plumbing, aquarium pumps and water drums.

Edit: I was one that was initially interested in that rent-free land, but it was too big for me at the time. How did you friend go with that?

[pczz]

... without using fertiliser of some kind and the equipment is expensive here

That's where aquaculture comes into it's own, you're paying for fish food rather than fertilizer. What equipment is expensive? It's all PVC plumbing, aquarium pumps and water drums.

Edit: I was one that was initially interested in that rent-free land, but it was too big for me at the time. How did you friend go with that?

land is still there. he has about 30 hectares growing mango now and a tractor to keeep the grass down. Got a family of 6 real paupers looking after it so we set them up with a chicken coop and some ducks to supplement their pay and provide some income.
According to my admittedly not exhaustive, research the issue with hydroponics
1) you gotta feed the fish, most people use fish food - oops end of the organic bit. its called gutloading, feed the fish the supplements you want to feed the plants.
2) fish poop does not necessarily provide the ideal blend of nutrients so it needs a helping hand, unless you use fish food with added iron etc as in 1 above
3) temperature and humidity control.
4)controlling sunlight
5) stopping the thieving local scumbags stealing it all at night, which is what hppens to bee hives.

You wannna have a try there is still spare land and vena workforce now

[Kammekor]

Thx for your reply doc
I thought tropical and subtropical climates where perfect for farming as you can harvest more often. I read that in Cambodia permaculture farms can harvest up to three times a year. Sure they won’t harvest as much as conv. Farms but more often I thought. I’m sure it depends on your produce too. As you see I don’t have much knowledge about farming. Would appreciate meeting you and talk in person once I am in KOW.

You seem misinformed. Cambodia has a tropical climate with a long dry season (Aw). "Farming" in the dry season is a difficult-go unless your land borders a stream with year-round water, or you need a really good well to use. But the question in both cases is whether you're still on the permaculture track.