February 7, 2025 – The Association of Development Financing Institutions in Asia and the Pacific (ADFIAP) and the Agricultural and Rural Development Bank (ARDB Bank) recently held a high-level meeting to discuss the Seed2Market Agri-tech platform and its role in transforming Cambodia’s agricultural value chains. This partnership empowers farmers and agribusinesses with technology-driven solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and financial access.
Seed2Market: A Game-Changer for Agriculture
An innovation introduced by ADFIAPNET, the Seed2Market platform integrates digital technology at every stage of the agricultural supply chain—from seed selection and crop cultivation to market access and distribution. It is designed to improve transparency, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure food security while increasing farmers’ profitability.
Key Discussion Points
1. Regulatory Challenges and Market Trends
ADFIAP highlighted new regulations requiring farmers to verify that their produce comes from deforestation-free areas. They also addressed the impact of climate instability on agricultural yields, supply chains, and consumer demand.
2. Proposed Solutions
The Seed2Market platform was introduced as a data-driven solution connecting farmers, processors, retailers, and financial institutions. It aims to enhance resource efficiency, automate compliance reporting, and improve produce traceability.
3. Geo-Registration and Tracking
The discussion covered using geo-registration to help farmers manage land and agricultural activities more effectively. A tracking tool was also introduced to monitor inputs and outputs, providing valuable insights for cooperatives and banks to improve risk assessment and decision-making.
4. Digitization and Farmer Training
Recognizing the challenges farmers face in accessing technology, the meeting emphasized the need for digitization. Plans for a pilot program to train farmers on digital tools and the potential use of AI to provide real-time recommendations were discussed. A national repository of best agricultural practices will also be developed to support local farmers.
5. Financial Inclusion and Sustainability
ADFIAP and ARDB Bank emphasized the importance of accessible financing for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses. Through the Seed2Market program, ARDB Bank can introduce tailored financial products—such as microloans and insurance—to support farmers at every production stage. This initiative also advances global sustainability goals by promoting eco-friendly and climate-resilient farming practices.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to formalize the partnership and launch pilot projects in Cambodia. ARDB Bank and ADFIAP believe that Seed2Market can serve as a model for other regions, driving agricultural innovation and sustainability on a global scale.