Bansam, a newly formed startup established in 2023, envisions a future where Cambodian farmers can overcome the challenges of unpredictable weather and difficult growing conditions to produce abundant harvests. This ambitious goal is being pursued by four young and determined founders: Ben Danet, Phon Chandara, Nov Sreytoch, and Hor Lihorng.
Bansam is not your average plant nursery. They specialize in a technique called grafting, where parts of two plants are combined to create a super-plant. These grafted wonders are more resistant to diseases, pests, and even drought, making them perfect for Cambodia’s changing climate.
Inspired by their internship in Israel, a leader in agricultural technology, the Bansam team saw firsthand the potential of grafting to transform Cambodian agriculture. But they are not just copying someone else’s playbook. They are going local! They are making use of forgotten traditional Cambodian plant varieties and using grafting to make plants even stronger.
Winning the Dak Dam Innovators for Resilient Agriculture program was a huge boost for Bansam. The program provided them with funding, training, and mentorship to help their business flourish. But their goals reach far beyond winning competitions.
Their ultimate dream? To empower rural communities by making farming more productive and profitable. By giving farmers access to high-quality grafted plants, they hope to create a ripple effect of economic growth and improved living standards.
But how exactly do they plan to achieve this? Here’s where Bansam’s unique approach comes in. Unlike other nurseries, they are not just selling plants; they are building relationships, providing a seedling service while ensuring good start for plant growth. They are offering small and medium-sized farmers and gardeners the chance to test grafted seedlings for free! This way, farmers can see the benefits firsthand before they invest. They are also reachable through their Facebook page, BanSam-បន្សាំ, making it easy for anyone to connect with them.
The Bansam team is a powerhouse of complementary skills. Nov Sreytoch’s grafting expertise and Ben Danet’s seedling mastery form the backbone of their operation. Phon Chandara brings his marketing magic to the table, while Hor Lihorng keeps things innovative with his research focus. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with in the Cambodian agricultural scene.
Looking ahead, Bansam has big plans. They want to refine their grafting techniques, ensure the highest quality seedlings, and even explore new frontiers like plant breeding and tissue culture. But they know they cannot do it alone. Collaboration is key! They are eager to partner with universities, NGOs, and research institutions to share knowledge and build a stronger agricultural ecosystem in Cambodia.
Bansam is a story of youthful passion, innovation, and a deep desire to make a difference. By combining traditional wisdom with modern technology, they are not just growing plants; they are growing the future of Cambodian agriculture.
The Dak Dam Innovators program, a collaborative effort between Impact Hub and the CGIAR Initiative on Asian Mega-Deltas (AMD), is fostering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs in Cambodia.
