VIENTIANE: Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has outlined measures to boost agricultural production and processing, aiming to increase competitiveness and add value to Lao products.
Speaking during the 10th ordinary session of the Lao National Assembly’s ninth legislature on Thursday (Nov 13), Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh reported steady growth in agricultural and forestry production in recent years, with several large-scale projects helping reduce imports and increase exports.
From 2021 to 2025, the export value of agricultural and forestry products averaged US$1.57 billion per year. In the first 10 months of 2025, exports reached US$1.54 billion, surpassing the Lao National Assembly’s annual target of US$1.5 billion.
Despite progress, Linkham acknowledged challenges including limited mechanisation, low use of modern technology, inadequate irrigation, high production costs, weak supply chains and underdeveloped infrastructure.
To tackle these challenges, the ministry has outlined several key measures, including developing policies to lower production costs and promote the use of advanced technology and innovation, and implementing detailed national strategies for crops, livestock and aquaculture.
The ministry also plans to improve access to capital and market information, and essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, veterinary medicines, and machinery.
In addition, it aims to promote modern, sustainable farming, while supporting investment in logistics, processing plants, storage facilities and laboratories for pest and residue analysis. – Xinhua