Dr Od Phongsavanh (centre) and Pakngum district Acting Governor, Mr Kongmy Sisamouth (left), chair a meeting.

Pakngum, Xaythany farmers seek stable markets as LFND introduces solidarity village fund

Farmers in Pakngum and Xaythany districts, a key agricultural hub supplying Vientiane and several provinces, are struggling to find regular markets and get advice on agricultural management, while suffering from low crop prices during the peak harvest season.
Overproduction often leads to a crop surplus, driving down prices and reducing incomes for growers, many of whom lack sufficient knowledge of marketing and product management, limiting their ability to secure fair trade opportunities.
To address these challenges, the Lao Front for National Development (LFND), led by its Vice President Dr Od Phongsavanh, this week met with district officials and model farming families to introduce the Solidarity Village Fund Project. 

Dr Od Phongsavanh (right) and Mr Viengkham Sihakhot chair a meeting in Xaythany district.

The initiative aims to provide financial support to farmers and cooperatives, helping them to access funding for agricultural development, product commercialisation, and poverty reduction.
During a meeting at the Pakngum and Xaythany district Administration Offices, LFND representatives outlined the fund’s objectives, benefits, and application process.
The project seeks to empower rural communities by improving access to capital, creating jobs, and boosting income through sustainable farming and trade practices.
Dr Od stressed the importance of understanding local needs, saying “Our goal is to study Pakngum and Xaythany’s potential products, determine how the Fund can assist, and identify what additional support farmers require.”
In a move to enhance value-added production, the LFND highlighted a planned dried fruit processing factory in Vientiane.  Once operational, the facility will help stabilise market demand by purchasing and processing local fresh fruits for domestic and international markets, providing farmers with a more reliable sales channel.
The Solidarity Village Fund Project aligns with the government’s poverty reduction policies and has already benefited numerous farming families across Laos.

Officials from the Lao Front for National Development, led by Dr Od Phongsavanh, pose for a group photo at the meeting in Pakngum and Xaythany districts.

With continued support, Pakngum and Xaythany farmers hope to secure stable markets, fair prices, and long-term growth of the agriculture sector.
Under the project, people have become competent farmers, acquired and provided stable occupations, and are able to grow high-quality crops with good yields.
The project has helped to reduce the cost of materials and equipment needed by farmers, as well as finding and supplying markets for growers.
Some 44 villages have entered into agreements to establish Lao Front for National Development Solidarity and Development Funds, in 23 districts of 10 provinces.

Representatives of the LFND pose for a group photo with members of a model farmers’ group.

Vientiane, Xaysomboun and Attapeu provinces each have one fund; Xayabouly, Khammuan and Xekong each have two funds; there are three funds in Salavan province; Huaphan and Champasak provinces each have four funds; and there are five funds in Savannakhet.
The scheme will be extended to other areas based on the readiness and potential of each province.
The crops being supported by the Fund include rice, sweetcorn, beans, fruit, mulberries, cassava, rubber, coffee, tea and mushrooms, while livestock breeding includes cattle, pigs, goats and fish.

Items produced under the Solidarity Village Fund Project on sale in supermarkets.

In addition, the project has promoted handicrafts, transportation and tourism services and trading through wholesale and retail sale, and given farmers advice about marketing. 
The Lao Front for National Development believes there are still many more villages that require this kind of funding to support the development of their families and communities.
On the same occasion, LFND and district officials visited model agricultural producer groups to advise about the quality processing of products for market sale.
District representatives, led by Mr Kongmy Sisamouth and Mr Viengkham Sihakhot, advised authorities in each village to ensure farmers understand how the Fund operates and to formulate plans for its implementation with LFND, aiming to maximise the benefits of the scheme and drive development in line with government policies.     

by Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update July 25, 2025)