Vientiane still in need of more meat supplies
Vientiane still in need of more meat supplies
Vientiane is having to bring in cattle and buffaloes from the provinces as farms in the capital cannot produce enough meat to supply market demand.
The number of meat consumers in Vientiane has increased while the number of livestock being raised has declined, resulting in a shortage of meat in the markets and fluctuating prices.
Most cattle farmers are still using traditional methods and have not learnt how to raise livestock on a large-scale, commercial basis.
In a bid to turn things around, Vientiane livestock breeders, entrepreneurs and Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department officials gathered in Vientiane on Friday to learn how stocks could be boosted by the introduction of Napier grass ( Pennisetum purpureum ), in a talk given by Thai experts.
The Thai team was led by Mr Sarakit Thawinprawat, with Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department Deputy Director, Mr Khamsing Khounsavanh, also attending the talk.
Vientiane has large areas of flat land and suitable conditions for growing grass to feed livestock, the department said.
In previous years, some farmers have grown this variety of grass but not in sufficient quantities to feed large livestock herds.
Friday's seminar aimed to improve livestock farming in Vientiane through the use of new and improved techniques, such as growing Napier grass.
This kind of grass is high in protein and grows well, and can feed livestock in the dry season as well as in the wet.
One hectare of Napier grass can yield about 600 tonnes, which is enough to feed about 50 cattle if growers pay close attention to the crop, according to Thai experts.
Use of this grass will provide livestock farmers with a secure supply of food for their animals, which would in turn produce more meat for sale and consumption.
More efficient commercial cattle production will also help Laos to integrate with the Asean Economic Community when it comes into effect in 2015.
In fiscal year 2010-2011, Vientiane required about 3,576 tonnes of buffalo meat but farmers could supply only 314 tonnes. In the same year, 3,576 tonnes of beef was required and farmers were able to supply 1,773 tonnes.
However, Vientiane authorities were able to source sufficient quantities of eggs, pork and fish and also sold some to the provinces.
vientiane times
