VP calls for wider cultivation of kainoy rice in Xieng Khuang

Farmers in Xieng Khuang province - a leading producer of khao kainoy – have grown 55,000 tonnes of the glutinous rice variety for export and supply to domestic markets.
The name refers to the shape of the grain, which is small and round, similar to the broken rice used to feed chicks.

Vice President Pany Yathotou.

Being short, rounded, and almost globular in shape, the grain is strikingly different from that of most other rice varieties. It is highly valued for its aromatic character and excellent quality.
It is mainly consumed in the form of steamed rice but also as rice noodles, rice cakes, and fermented beverages such as rice wine.
The 55,000-tonne crop yield was reported by the Director of the provincial Agriculture and Forestry Department, Mr Somsamone Phalichanh, to Vice President Pany Yathotou when she made a working visit with her colleagues to Xieng Khuang from December 31-January 2, where she was welcomed by the provincial Governor, Mr Bounchanh Sivongphanh.
Provincial authorities are encouraging farmers in five districts to grow kainoy rice, including the black, yellow and red varieties, on a total area of ​​12,500 hectares, Mr Somsamone said.
Kainoy rice is the province’s main commercial product, with cattle, buffalo, horses, green vegetables, sweetcorn, coffee and garlic also being produced, in addition to small-sized diamonds.
They are sold within Xieng Khuang and to buyers in other parts of the country.
The head of the kainoy rice growers’ group in Hokang village told the Vice President during her visit to the village that members of the group carefully monitor their rice crops from planting to harvesting and keep checks on the amount of water and fertiliser needed and used, as well as checking for the presence of pests, monitoring air quality, and collecting seeds for later use.
Farmers in Hokang village grow black, yellow and red kainoy varieties, which produce an annual average yield of 3.8-4 tonnes per hectare. The crop can only be grown in the rainy season because there is no irrigation system to provide water in the dry season.
The Vice President urged provincial authorities and farmers to continue to grow all kainoy rice varieties, to grow the crop on a larger area, and to ensure its best qualities are preserved.
She instructed local authorities to send each variety for study by overseas specialists and to adopt more productive cultivation techniques such as those used in Vietnam, including mechanisation.
Kainoy rice is popular the world over, so we should take advantage of this and grow more of it, Mrs Pany said.
While in Xieng Khuang, the Vice President and her delegation also attended the Hmong New Year celebrations.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 6, 2025)