VIENTIANE: Lao and Chinese agricultural entities plan to carry out green and sustainable agriculture demonstration projects in 10 southern provinces of Laos.
The Laos-China Cooperation Agricultural Technical Service Centre and the Vientiane Agricultural Development Group last week a signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the project to be rolled out in Oudomxay province.
Under the agreement, the two sides will organise the demonstration and production of plant seeds, and introduction and use of new and modern farming methods.
The project will be supervised by Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
The Lao and Chinese agriculture sectors will work to improve the quality of agricultural produce and develop agricultural production models by improving the production capacity of farmers in the south of Laos.
It is envisaged that farmers in the provinces of Oudomxay, Phongsaly, Bokeo, Luang Namtha, Xayaboury, Luang Prabang, Huphan, Xieng Khuang, Vientiane and Xaysomboun will benefit from the initiative.
Cooperation between the two sides will make full use of agricultural potential to carry out a feasibility study and design a development project for the Laos-China Demonstration Centre for green and sustainable agriculture.
The project aims to improve the agriculture centre and transform the agricultural service system into a green and sustainable agricultural development model.
It is intended that the centre will become a place for research, testing, and the sharing of agricultural knowledge.
Agriculture experts will teach growers about modern farming methods and develop a wider variety of hardy crop seeds for use by members of the public, farmers, and agricultural businesses.
The centre will also be used as a sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) inspection facility, where crop quality will be tested and approved by Chinese officials to ensure that produce meets China’s quality control standards for agricultural exports.
The MoU is an important step in furthering the ties between the two sides and spurring the development of good agricultural practices and efficient farming methods.
The Laos-China project will be a boost to Laos’ economic and social development and promote sustainable farming practices by modernising traditional agricultural systems. - Vientiane Times/ANN
