Ministry launches campaign to boost cattle exports to China

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has ordered its relevant departments to do more to promote cattle farming, encouraging private operators to produce more cattle for export to China.
Agriculture and Forestry Departments across the country have been told to launch a publicity campaign to inform farmers and producers about the official opening of the Chinese market for Lao cattle.
The three-page order issued last week highlighted the opportunities and challenges for Lao cattle producers in strengthening cattle and buffalo production based on China’s needs in terms of quantity and quality.
Under an agreement signed between the governments of the two countries, Laos has been granted a quota of 500,000 cattle for export to China.
On April 28, the first shipment of cattle from Laos arrived in China soon after the start of the Covid-19 outbreak, according to the CRI.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, more than 2,000 cattle were shipped to China from April 28 to May 4 across the border in Sing district, Luang Namtha province, as part of a pilot project.
The two sides are now preparing cattle and buffalo for the next shipment.
China has asked for animals that are four years old or less and that weigh at least 350kg.
This is encouraging entrepreneurs to raise cattle on a large scale in compliance with the specified requirements. They must also ensure that their farms are disease free so that livestock can meet the quality and quantity requirements for export. 
Agriculture and Forestry Departments in all provinces have been instructed to provide training for farmers, entrepreneurs and anyone else interested in raising cattle for export to China.
The ministry has also highlighted the importance of growing grass and other crops such as corn, ​soybeans, cassava and other high-nutrient food to feed cattle.
The Department of Livestock and Fisheries has been advised to set up a network of village veterinarians across the country and to teach farmers and producers how to vaccinate their livestock and comply with all the standards set by China.
The department will inspect and certify the quality of cattle based on the agreement signed with Chinese counterparts.
Meanwhile, the ministry has banned the import of cattle to Laos for storage and later sale to China.
The government is also promoting investment in international standard slaughterhouses, so that beef can be processed for export.
One of the main challenges facing the government’s plan to boost cattle production is the regular outbreak of livestock diseases, especially foot and mouth disease, which is common in Laos.
In addition, the recent outbreak of lumpy skin disease has infected more than 11,000 cattle in 126 villages of seven provinces.
Since agriculture accounts for a projected 16 percent of GDP in 2021, the outbreak of livestock diseases will continue to affect the economy.

By Somsack Pongkhao
(Latest Update June 30, 2021)