Organic vegetables: more supply, more demand but no permanent venue
Organic vegetables: more supply, more demand but no permanent venue
Despite a country-wide boom in the growing and sale of organic vegetables, venues to sell the produce are still limited in the city and a permanent marketplace is needed to meet consumer demand in the capital.
Currently consumers have the opportunity to purchase organic agricultural produce from three regular half-day markets: That Luang Organic Market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings, and Chao Fa Ngum Organic Market on Monday afternoon. These pop-up markets are popular with consumers, affirming the need for a more permanent space.
Head of the organic vegetable growing group of None Tae village in Xaythany district, Mr Khamphou Phonthanou said there are now 90 families growing organic vegetables from six districts of Vientiane capital to sell at these markets, which move about 3-4 tonnes of various vegetables each week.
“Based on the increase of growers and also the increase of consumers, three half-days per week is not enough,” said Mr Khamphou.
He said as more villagers are trained to grow organic plantations, members of the organic vegetable group have been increasing each year.
“There are now about 300 families that have been trained in organic plantation, but only 90 families grow to supply the markets, because there's not enough places available for the others,” he said.
“The government encourages us to expand the group members; however, we cannot expand more if we have limited market space to sell. We know there has been more demand for our organic vegetables recently; therefore we need the government to help us to provide an area for a permanent organic market.”
Mr Khamphou said there are already organic growers from Xaythany district who supply to the existing half-day market, but more growers from this area wish to join the market. The None Tae growers group has requested an area near Dongmarkkhai be allocated for a dedicated district organic market.
“If we have permanent market, we can extend our members and supply more produce to consumers.”
Head of the district Agriculture and Forestry Office, Mr Banlom Siakkhasone said the district has tried to find a location for a new market to help the farmers.
“We have talked with some land owners who have suitable locations for the market but most of the individuals are not interested in developing their land as a market,” Mr Banlom said.
“Based on the proposal of the growers in the district to have some land near Dongmarkkhai, I think it might be possible, as it is government land for ministries and state offices to build up.”
“I think if they have a suitable place, it will encourage the growth of the organic plantation sector in our country,” he said.
vientiane times
