Cassava export boom leading to deforestation and poor air in Laos

Viral photo of farmers burning in and around Nakai-Nam Theun National Park Khammouane Province. - Laotian Times

VIENTIANE, March 26 (Laotian Times/ANN): Farmers are encroaching on national parks and protected forests in Laos, burning and clearing large areas to make room for cassava crops.

The demand for cassava has seen it become the most profitable agricultural product in Laos, as demonstrated by the country’s February trade figures: cassava was the leading export item, with figures totaling USD 85 million.