Govt seeks private cooperation for organic crops
Govt seeks private cooperation for organic crops
The Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department is cooperating with the private sector to produce more organic crops for domestic market supply.
The department's Director General Assoc. Prof, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh joined with other agricultural officials on Monday to tour the organic plantations of the Keothavykhoun Purmpou nsub Export-Import Sole Co., Ltd.
Keothavykhoun Purmpounsub has a number of greenhouses in the Nonwai area of Hadxaifong district, Vientiane.
The aim of the visit by the department was to examine the company's crop production, provide suggestions and seek effective ways to further cooperation for market supply and future export.
Due to the growing food safety demand in both the domestic and overseas markets, the government is promoting organic crop plantations.
The numbers of consumers in Vientiane seeking organic vegetables and crops has increased as they see the importance of healthy food, officials have noted.
The Keothavykhoun Purmpounsub Export-Import Sole Co., Ltd is one of the business sectors which is producing a variety of organic vegetables and crops for supply to the Vientiane market and also some for export to markets overseas.
The company also plans to build a minimart in Vientiane exclusively for the sale of organic vegetables and crops.
Meanwhile the government will provide feedback and policies for good operations, Dr Linkham said.
Vientiane now has 17 groups of organic farmers with more than 300 families, most of whom are farmers in Xaythany and Hadxaifong districts, he said. Organic vegetables and crops in Vientiane are selling every Wednesday and Saturday morning at Xaysettha Park near the Public Security Museum and on Monday and Thursday evenings at Chao Fa Ngum Park.
Consumers can also buy organic vegetables and crops at various minimarts and organic shops at different markets in Vientiane.
The department figures indicate that on average an organic farming family receives about 90 million kip a year from selling their crops.
Organic vegetables and crops not only help to improve farmers' livelihoods but also help to protect the environment and producers' and consumers' health.
Last year Vientiane farmers could produce only 400 tonnes of organic crops a year, which is still insufficient to meet market demand.
The government is working in cooperation with international organisations and development partners to encourage farmers in different provinces to produce organic crops, offering advice, equipment and technical support.
