LBC’s Sustainable Rice Farming Project produces 600 tonnes of paddy in 2024

The LBC (Lao Brewery Co Ltd) Sustainable Rice Farming Project achieved remarkable success in the 2024 season by harvesting more than 600 tonnes of paddy.

Representatives of the Lao Brewery Co Ltd at the warehouse storing the paddy harvest and rice seed in Hadxaifong district of Vienriane.

This increase in yield was due to the expansion of the project area from 100 hectares to 340 hectares of farm land.
The harvest included rice from both the dry and rainy seasons, contributing significantly to the supply chain.
Once processed, the harvested paddy will provide 360 tonnes of essential ingredients for Beerlao’s brands.
To commemorate this achievement, the project brought together more than 200 farming families and extended its reach to 340 hectares of farm land across three districts in Vientiane – Hatxaifong, Xaythany, and Pak Ngeum – and Feuang district in Vientiane province.
The project included 15 hectares of organic farm land and 70 hectares affected by recent floods.
Head of the LBC Sustainable Rice Farming Project and CA, CSR & Sustainability Director,, CSR & Sustainability Director, Mr Sithixay Ketthavong, said “This dry season, we plan to allocate two billion kip to secure rice seeds, and aim to expand the project to 1,000 hectares of farmland nationwide by 2025, fully prepared for planting.”
He said the current project area is being expanded to 500 hectares, with the expectation of exceeding 600 hectares during the dry season.
The initiative focuses on implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Agriculture (OA), and it will later adopt Regenerative Agricultural Practices. These methods aim to restore soil health, boost biodiversity and minimise environmental impact, aligning with the

A farmer spreads organic fertiliser in a paddy field during the recent rice season.

Mr Sithixay Ketthavong speaks about the paddy harvest and plans for 2025.

LBC’s commitment to the six pillars of TTZAB (Together Towards Zero & Beyond).
Mr Sithixay said the brewery requires 20,000 tonnes of paddy annually. To meet this demand, the project must expand to around 7,000 hectares of farm land, as the current cultivated areas are insufficient. The LBC’s goal is to achieve this target within three years. “We actively communicate with farmers

Representatives from LBC join farmers for a group photo at a recent ceremony in Vientiane to provide rice seeds.

Farmers havesting rainy season rice in Feung district of Vienriane province.

about the benefits and principles of joining our project, including guaranteed harvest prices and health benefits,” said Mr Sithixay. “This ensures the sufficient supply of ingredients and reduces the need for imports.”

During 2024, the project expanded to Khammuan province, and there are plans to focus on new areas in the southern provinces to supply raw materials for the LBC’s factory in Champassak province.
The success of the LBC Sustainable Rice Farming Project underscores Lao Brewery Co Ltd’s commitment to the community, its support for stability of farmers’ groups, and its contributions to sustainable development goals, encompassing economic, social and environmental dimensions.

By Souksamai Boulom
 (Latest Update December 24, 2024)