PM calls for enhanced agricultural productivity

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has advised the agriculture and forestry departments to boost crop and non-timber forest production so that more products can be exported and fewer imported.

PM Sonexay Siphandone visits booths exhibiting farm products.

This is necessary to fulfil the long-term goals of the agriculture and forestry sectors, which also include the production of more handicrafts for domestic supply.
The Prime Minister made the call when addressing a meeting held in Vientiane on Tuesday, attended by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Linkham Douangsavanh and provincial officials.
He also mentioned the need to pursue the goals of the 2025 National Socio-economic Development Plan, saying this is considered the “highest commitment plan”.
In addition, the annual meeting of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry took place on Friday to review progress made in 2024 and discuss plans for 2025, when the Prime Minister highlighted some of the challenges that need to be addressed.
He noted that farmer production groups are not well organised and do not achieve high crop yields, even though there is plenty of land available.
Farming methods remain basic and unfocused so that yields in the dry season are especially low, and do not come close to meeting demand, he said.
Farmers are poorly educated in the science of crop cultivation and most do not use any form of mechanisation, the Prime Minister observed.
He encouraged a greater focus on improving and developing agricultural infrastructure, such as incubators, seed mills, greenhouses, and research laboratories, by encouraging greater participation by private businesses.
It is necessary to clearly allocate farming areas based on the natural conditions and potential of each area, and to introduce measures for the sustainable management of farming areas and irrigation systems, the Prime Minister said.
He also instructed officials to ensure the effective management of the three types of forests by carrying out surveys and redefining forest boundaries.
He called on the private sector to invest in planting and reforestation to support carbon credit schemes and nature-based tourism, and to review the way in which concession fees are paid.
Another issue raised was the need to pursue the aims of the Poverty Reduction Fund and official grant programmes so that plans are fulfilled.
The premier also stressed that efforts to build strong political foundations under the Three Builds directive need to be more in-depth and concrete, alongside the implementation of policies and enforcement of laws relating to rural development and poverty alleviation, so that these are more effective.
At present, effective management and protection of forests lacks support from local communities, while more developers are being awarded concessions on vast swathes of land so that deforestation is increasing.
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Foresty pledged to do more to protect forested areas in remote parts of the country.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update February 3, 2025)