Mr Sithixay Ketthavong (fifth, left) join Hadxaifong district officials for a photo during a media visit to Salakham organic rice fields on Friday.

Lao Brewery Company empowers farmers, supports green agriculture

Lao Brewery Company Limited (LBC) is reinforcing its commitment to sustainable agriculture and community development through its Sustainable Rice Farming Project, which encourages organic farming while reducing environmental impacts.

Mr Vatthana Luangamath tells reporters about the benefits of the single seedling method.

LBC invited media representatives to visit an organic rice field in Salakham village, Hadxaifong district, Vientiane, on Friday. The showcased farm utilises an innovative single seedling method, which contrasts with conventional method using multiple seedlings and more resources.
Mr Vatthana Luangamath, a farmer in Salakham village who grows organic rice for LBC, shared his experiences with the media.
“This dry season, I am growing rice on 10 hectares, using 100 percent organic fertiliser. Of this, six hectares employ the one stem seed method,” he said.
“Previously, I tested this method on two hectares and saw significant benefits. By planting a single seedling per spot, I reduced the seed requirement from 90kg to 40kg per hectare, while maintaining the same rice yield. During soil preparation the organic fertilizer was added. I also widened the space between tillers which allows more stems to grow and makes it easier to remove the weeds,” Mr Vatthana said.
Officials from Hadxaifong district and Agriculture and Forestry  Department highlighted their collaboration with LBC in promoting organic rice farming.
Currently, over 300 hectares of farmland in Hadxaifong are dedicated to growing rice for LBC, with 10 hectares in Salakham village under cultivation this year alone.
To support farmers facing irrigation challenges in Salakham, LBC has invested over 100 million kip in solar-powered water pumps. These pumps ensure a reliable water supply by drawing it from a nearby lake, securing optimal conditions for rice cultivation under the Sustainable Rice Farmg Project.
LBC’s CA, CSR, and Sustainability Director, Mr Sithixay Ketthavong, urged all stakeholders, including government officials, farmers, and entrepreneurs, to collaborate in reducing the impact of agriculture on the environment.
“We are working with the owners of large ponds near the rice fields in Salakham village to use their water resources efficiently. Our focus is on reducing agriculture’s environmental impact, aligning with LBC’s vision of a ‘Zero Farming Footprint’, so we use solar energy to supply water to rice fields, and eliminated all the chemicals they used on the farmland,” Mr Sithixay said.

Rice seeding in Salakham village using just single seedling method.

The organic rice plantation using the single seedling method is a key initiative under LBC’s Sustainable Rice Farming Project. This initiative supports the company’s ‘Zero Farming Footprint’ strategy, which is the second pillar of its Together Towards Zero & Beyond (TTZAB) program.
In alignment with TTZAB, LBC is implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Agriculture (OA) while preparing to integrate

Solar power, funded by LBC, for pumping water from a pond to a rice field in Salakham village.

Regenerative Agricultural Practices. These efforts aim to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and minimise environmental impacts, ensuring a sustainable future for Laos’ agriculture sector.
Through its Sustainable Rice Farming Project, LBC continues to demonstrate its dedication to eco-friendly agriculture, while providing Lao farmers with opportunities to enhance productivity and improve their livelihoods.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update February 18, 2025)