LBC executives join Lao and Chinese officials for a photo during a visit to a rice farm in Vientiane on Thursday.

Guangxi agricultural delegation visits LBC’s Sustainable Rice Farming Project

A delegation from the Guangxi Academy of Agricultural Science in China on Thursday visited a pilot run by the Lao Brewery Co., Ltd. (LBC) Sustainable Rice Farming Project in Makhiew village, Pakngum district, Vientiane.
The visit aimed to share expertise on organic rice farming, including soil preparation, rice varieties, planting methods, and the application of biological fertiliser.

The delegates toured the organic paddy farm.

Led by Dr Tang Qizhan, Professor Chen Guifen, Professor Liu Bin, and Mr Huang Yanfei, the Chinese delegation was accompanied by the Director of Laos’ Department of Agricultural Land Management, Dr Nivong Sipaseuth, and other officials.
Lao Brewery Co., Ltd. executives warmly welcomed the group.

LBC’s Corporate Affairs & ESG Manager, Mr Zaeth Khamnon, outlined the firm’s advancing sustainable farming, highlighting the use of significant amounts of biological fertiliser to enhance soil quality and the construction of boundary barriers to protect the pilot rice field from external contamination.

Rice seedlings ready for mechanised planting at the organic rice farm.

“The Sustainable Rice Farming Project achieved notable success during the 2024 seasons, producing over 600 tonnes of paddy,” he said. The initiative has expanded the cultivation area from 100 hectares to 340 hectares, involving more than 200 farming families. Once processed, the harvested paddy will yield 360 tonnes of essential ingredients for Beerlao’s products.
The project spans three districts in Vientiane – Hadxaifong, Xaythany and Pakngum – and Meuangfeuang district in Vientiane province, including 15 hectares dedicated to organic farming.

Seedlings in a paddy field.

The LBC executive outlined ambitious plans for project expansion, saying “For the 2024-25 dry season, LBC has allocated 2 billion kip to procure high-quality rice seeds and expand its cultivated area to 500 hectares, with expectations to exceed 600 hectares. By 2025, the project aims to cover 1,000 hectares nationwide.”
LBC is implementing Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Organic Agriculture (OA), with plans to integrate Regenerative Agricultural Practices. These sustainable farming methods aim to restore soil health, enhance biodiversity, and minimise environmental impacts, in line with LBC’s commitment to its “Together Towards Zero & Beyond” (TTZAB) initiative.
LBC requires 20,000 tonnes of paddy annually. To meet this demand, the project needs to expand to approximately 7,000 hectares of farmland within three years. The company is actively engaging with farmers, highlighting the benefits of participation, including guaranteed prices and health advantages.
During their visit, the delegates toured the organic paddy farm, gaining first-hand insights into LBC’s sustainable farming techniques.
This collaboration underscores the shared commitment of Lao and Chinese agricultural experts to advancing organic and sustainable farming practices, ensuring long-term benefits for farmers and the environment.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update December 31, 2024)