LBC Managing Director Henrik Juel Andersen speaks to media about the project.

LBC trains farmers, gives aid for Sustainable Rice Project

Lao Brewery Company Limited (LBC) hosted a training meeting on 18 November to promote sustainable rice cultivation and support farmers affected by recent floods by providing seeds worth 90 million kip.

Lao Brewery Company’s Board of Directors gather for a photo with farmers after providing them rice and seeds for the next harvest season.

The training gathered farmers participating in LBC’s Sustainable Rice Project, an initiative focused on organic farming practices and environmentally friendly cultivation techniques to enhance agricultural productivity while minimising environmental impact.
The training was chaired by LBC Managing Director Henrik Juel Andersen, CA, CSR & Sustainability Director Sithixay Ketthavong, the Representative of Agriculture and Forestry department of Vientiane capital and the Agriculture and Forestry office of Hatxayfong district, and other related officials.
LBC has distributed Xebangfai 2 rice varieties and glutinous rice seeds to collective farmer families affected by recent floods of 70 hectares of farmland.
This support will assist farmers for the 2024–25 dry season while inspiring and strengthening sustainable farming initiatives.
Emphasising the importance of the sustainable rice project during a seed handover ceremony for over 50 farming families, Henrik Juel Andersen said, “We started four years ago and now have 340 hectares of sustainable farmland. Today, we are distributing seeds for the next harvest season.”
“We have reduced chemical fertiliser use by 70 percent compared to other farms in Laos and are producing 100 percent certified organic rice, approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The project benefits not only the company and partner farmers but also demonstrates the potential for sustainable agriculture in Laos,” he added.
With this organic rice currently used in LBC’s brewing process, LBC plans to expand the project to 1,000 hectares, focusing on further reducing chemical inputs while improving productivity.

LBC Managing Director Henrik Juel Andersen speaks to media about the project.

Highlighting the company’s need for more organic rice, Sithixay Ketthavong said, “For this season, we expect over 300 families to join our sustainable rice project, and we will purchase all their harvests, ensuring they don’t worry about the LBC’s demands of their rice.”
“We still need a lot of rice for our production, so farmers don’t have to find a market for their paddy. This initiative also aims to reduce the import of brewing ingredients. However, farmers must join our project and ensure their rice meets our quality standards,” he added.

Praising LBC for its beneficial project during the training, the Deputy Head of Nalong village of Pakngeum district said, “Through the Sustainable Rice Project, farmers reduce chemical use in rice cultivation. By participating, they gain higher incomes for their families while reducing health risks associated with chemical usage.”
Through this project, LBC hopes to promote rice cultivation, support the country’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and ensure the company fulfils its own “Together Towards Zero and Beyond” program.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update November 26, 2024)