Govt ploughing ahead with agriculture growth target

The government will continue efforts at keeping agriculture production growth at 2.3-2.5 percent this year against the challenges of disease outbreaks and weather extremes to ensure food security and zero hunger in communities.
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Lien Thikeo reported the details last Thursday at the 9th session of the 8th Legislature of the National Assembly (NA).

Dr Lien addressed the challenges faced by the sector this year, which under the worst-case projections could contract by 0.4 percent. However, the ministry is striving for growth of up to 2.5 percent or 15-17 percent of total gross domestic product.
The government’s rice production target is at least 3.5 million tonnes, with dry season rice production covering 90,000 hectares and rainy season rice at 750,000 hectares.
Crop production should reach 1.8 million tonnes this year, fruit 1.3 million tonnes, taro 300,000 tonnes, coffee 160,000 tonnes, sweetcorn 1 million tonnes, cassava 3.3 million tonnes, and sugarcane is aiming for 1.5 million tonnes.
Meanwhile, meat production from livestock should expand by 6 percent, fish farming 10 percent, and per capita average meat, egg and fish supply for personal consumption is targeting 65 kg, supplying 465,000 tonnes this year
The minister reported that the commercialisation of agriculture and forestry production for export is aiming for more than US$1.2 billion.
Authorities are focusing on helping farmers to boost yields, restoring livelihoods, and ensuring an adequate food supply for everyone across the country.
Dr Lien pointed out initiatives aimed to strengthen the commercialisation of agriculture, especially clean agriculture for domestic consumption and export to boost farmers income and employment, which will help bolster national economic growth.
These initiatives on agriculture, forestry and rural development, food security, and poverty eradication form part of the sector’s five-year development plan to 2025.
The ministry would continue working with all sectors and development partners to enhance cooperation to support the recovery of farmers turning crises into opportunities, Dr Lien added.

By Time Reporters
(Latest Update June 30, 2020)