Cambodia, Japan and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) have launched a fortified rice initiative to tackle malnutrition among garment factory workers, according to a WFP news release. With $1.5 million from Japan, the five-year project will reach over 50,000 workers across 118 factories in Phnom Penh and Kandal Special Economic Zones. Rice, the national staple, will be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals and added to workplace meal programs.
Garment factories drive Cambodia’s economy but many workers — especially women — suffer from anaemia and micronutrient gaps that hurt health, productivity, and income. Fortified rice offers a practical fix without changing eating habits, while building stronger supply chains, training millers, and raising worker awareness. Japanese Embassy Counsellor Matsuda Junsaku said Japan is proud to back scalable solutions that boost health, communities, and economic resilience.
WFP Cambodia Director Kyung-nan Park called it a crucial step to give workers the nutrients they need to stay healthy and support their families. Cambodia’s Ministry of Planning Secretary of State Pan Buntheoun stressed the government’s commitment to workforce wellbeing as a foundation for national growth. WFP will coordinate with FAO, WHO, UNICEF, government, and factories to make it sustainable and scalable across food systems.
