Representatives of the Saemaul Foundation stand alongside a drone in a rice field in Nonsay village.

Saemaul Foundation advances smart farming in Nonsay village

Farming practices in Nonsay village, Pakngum district, Vientiane, are taking a leap forward with support from the Saemaul Foundation, with financial support from Chilgok County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea.
The foundation has conducted the Saemaul Pilot Village Development Project in Nonsay village from 2021 to 2024.
Over the past four years, various initiatives have been carried out to strengthen community capacity, improve the living environment, and increase agricultural incomes.

A drone sprays herbicide on a maize crop.

In the agriculture sector, priority was given to infrastructure development, including the construction of village storage facilities and the renovation of irrigation canals.
Following this, efforts to enhance agricultural productivity included the provision of farming machinery and agricultural inputs, as well as the introduction of mushroom cultivation as a new source of income.
In 2024, drones were introduced to support modern and efficient farming practices.
To ensure effective drone use, the Saemaul Foundation facilitated the establishment of a drone management committee, secured permits, and developed operational regulations.
As a result, by 2025, Nonsay village had reached a stage where drones could be actively used in farming.
In January and February, around 20 farms used drones to spray pesticides and fertiliser over approximately 40 rai of farmland.
Moon Sunghye, Country Director of the Saemaul Foundation Laos Office, said “Gyeongsangbuk-do and the Saemaul Foundation are keen to introduce and apply smart agriculture to support sustainable agricultural and rural development in developing countries.”
She added “While providing agricultural drones to introduce smart farming in Nonsay village, there were concerns about whether residents would actively utilise them. However, through training sessions for young villagers and fostering skilled personnel to manage the technology, residents gradually recognised their efficiency and naturally adopted them in their agricultural practices.”
“I hope more villagers will have the opportunity to experience smart farming and apply it to their agricultural activities in the future.”
The Saemaul leader in Nonsay village, Ms Laddavone, said “Using drones saves time, allowing us to focus on other tasks while also reducing expenses. Additionally, it benefits our health by eliminating direct contact with chemicals and minimising the impact of herbicides.”
She added “With the support of the Saemaul Foundation, Nonsay village has improved its infrastructure by paving roads, renovating the primary school, and enhancing the irrigation system through the construction of water canals and the use of Mekong River water for more efficient agricultural production.”
“Furthermore, we can now adopt smart farming techniques and utilise modern agricultural machinery, including rice-planting machines, tractors, rice harvesters, and rice-straw packing machines, making farming more efficient and productive.”
Mr Khamsing, who used a drone to spray herbicide on his field, said “My rice field is approximately 10 rai. Previously, spraying herbicide took more than a day, but with a drone, the task is completed in just three hours.”
Since 2016, the Saemaul Foundation has been implementing the Saemaul Pilot Village Development Project in rural villages of Pakngum district.
This initiative is based on Saemaul Undong, a national rural development programme that drove economic growth and rural modernisation in Korea during the 1970s.
With a strong emphasis on community participation, the project aims to promote comprehensive village development, increase farm income, and improve quality of life.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update February 14, 2025)