Phnom Penh, May 22, 2019 –Prime Minister Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen this morning sent a message to his dear compatriots on the occasion of the Royal Ploughing Ceremony.
“Happy Royal Plowing Ceremony. Today, the Kingdom of Cambodia celebrates the Royal Ploughing ceremony annually held in the month of Visak (the 6th month in Khmer lunar calendar),” said the Premier in a Facebook message.
This very important ceremony is celebrated to predict the country’s (agricultural) outcomes this year through the oxen’s appetite as well as to remind farmers that the crop planting season begins, he underlined.
Samdech Techo Hun Sen also took the opportunity to wish his dear compatriots happiness, prosperity and good luck.
This year’s Royal Ploughing ceremony took place in Daun Keo city, Takeo province under the chairmanship of His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia, with National Assembly President Samdech Akka Moha Ponhea Chakrei Heng Samrin, Senate President Samdech Vibol Sena Pheakdei Say Chhum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Samdech Kralahom Sar Kheng, and many other high-ranking officials as well as foreign diplomats accredited to Cambodia in attendance.
H.E. Ouch Phea, Governor of Takeo province played the role of “King Meak” by guiding the royal oxen and plowing around the Royal Field, while his spouse played the role of “Queen Mehua” by walking behind scattering seeds on the furrowed ground in Kirivong Sok Sen Chey stadium’s football field, Daun Keo city, Takoe province.
After the ploughing, two royal oxen were driven to the seven trays containing paddy, beans, corn, sesame, water, wine and grass. The oxen ate 90 percent of corn and 88 percent of bean and 85 percent of rice.
This is a good omen for corn, bean and rice growing in the country this year, said a Royal Brahmin, calling on Cambodian farmers to be ready to do their farming.
By Khan Sophirom
