Cattle farm in Savannakhet to boost local beef supply
Cattle farm in Savannakhet to boost local beef supply
The Songkhone Farm Company will invest more than 25 billion kip to establish a cattle farming complex in Savannakhet province, aiming to satisfy domestic demand and cater to export markets as well.
The project is located in Houay Khor village in the province's Songkhone district, with a 100 hectare land concession provided by the government.
The land concession agreement was signed in Savannakhet last week between the provincial authorities and company representatives.
The agreement was signed on the government's behalf by Planning and Investment Department Deputy Director Mr Kongkham Xaypanya, Agriculture and Forestry Department Deputy Director,Mr Bounlieng Chanvanpheng and Songkhone district Deputy Governor Mr Khamdy Souvansane.
Meanwhile signing on the company's behalf were its Director, Mr Lamphachanh Inthisane and Assistant Director, Mr Bounyasith Sengkhamnhor.
The ceremony was attended by the provincial Administration Office Deputy Head, Mr Phousamay Kitthilath, along with other officials.
Initially the company will import 20 bulls and 50 cows from neighbouring co untries for livestock expansion but has plans to breed traditional cattle as well.
To supply their livestock herd with feed the company plans to clear some parts of the concession area for plant ing grasses suitable for pasture improvement.
Songkhone Farm Company expects that it will be able to offer its beef products for sale in local markets within the next two years.
The aim of the project is to supply sufficient beef for the domestic market and local consumption, especially in Savannakhet, Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khuang, Huaphan, Khammuan and Champassak.
Meanwhile any surplus will be sold off on export markets. The company will be a quality beef producer for consumers as well as serve as a model farm for Lao and foreign researchers to study cattle farming in Laos.
The price of beef throughout the country is currently at a record high as a result of the better prices on offer in neighbouring countries, where demand exceeds supply.
Local farmers and cattle breeders often sell off their stock to pay for their children's schooling fees, medical bills or other expenses that arise.
Currently there is a dearth of larger scale cattle breeding enterprises in Laos with most breeders being small scale family operations with only a few head of cattle.
The country also has limit suitable areas for livestock breeding as large land concessions have already been granted for other business operations.
vientiane times
