JIRCAS, in collaboration with the Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) of Cambodia, co-hosted the Farmer Water Users Community Meeting in Pursat Province, Cambodia, on September 22, 2023. Approximately 50 participants were present, including representatives from JIRCAS, RUA, pertinent organizations in Pursat Province (the designated pilot site), and local farmers.

The gathering commenced with Mr. THAV Sopheak (RUA) providing an overview of the meeting's purpose, outlining the objectives of the ongoing trial, and introducing the team members and students involved in the initiative. Subsequently, Project Leader IZUMI Taro (Rural Development Division) presented an introduction to JIRCAS and solicited collaboration for the ongoing trial. This was followed by an overview of the impacts of intermittent irrigation and a detailed explanation of the trial by Senior Researcher WATANABE Mamoru (Rural Development Division). Dr. SHINDO Soji, Director of the Rural Development Division, elucidated the planned water management strategies for the project.

During the ensuing Q&A session, participants posed questions regarding the new water management approach and engaged in discussions about potential alterations to the current farming methodologies employed by local farmers. Lastly, the pertinent administrative agencies in Pursat expressed their anticipation regarding the efficacy of the intermittent irrigation technology being developed in the project. They also conveyed their hopes for the project's outcomes to extend to other districts and pledged their support for the endeavor.