Cambodia's tapioca exports fell 56 % in early 2013

 Cambodia's cassava exports fell 56 % in early 2013

According to the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia , in the first eight months of this year , the country exported 288 300 tonnes of dried cassava and fresh , down 56 % compared to the same period last year .
Total revenue from exports in the same period is 15.2 million, down from $ 34.5 million earned in the same period last year .

Xinhua news agency quoted Som Yen , director of Malai Trading Company in Banteay Meanchey province northwest , said the past year has left some cassava farmers to switch to corn because of unrest cassava market in the country .

Mr. Som Yen said, adding : " The time of our cassava is dependent on the market to neighboring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam . Prices also fluctuate wildly , depending on the customer's purchase volume , which discouraged farmers , planting crops not want this anymore . "

Cambodia's Ministry of Commerce said in 2012, the country exported 722 250 tonnes of dried cassava and fresh , valued at $ 38 million . Cassava is mainly exported to key markets such as Thailand , Vietnam , South Korea and China . / .