VIENTIANE: Laos' Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has prioritised strengthening food security and promoting export-oriented commodity production, with crop and crop product exports reaching US$752 million in the first five months of 2026, equivalent to 62.6 per cent of the annual plan.
The main export products included bananas, dried cassava, watermelon, cassava flour and coffee, the Vientiane Mai newspaper reported on Tuesday (June 30).
In addition, exports of livestock and livestock products grew to US$81.21 million, accounting for 40.6 per cent of the 2026 target, while exports of timber, timber products and non-timber forest products totalled US$158.64 million, achieving 31.7 per cent of the target.
A key achievement of the ministry has been the expansion of export markets, with Laos securing access for 84 agricultural and livestock product lines in neighbouring countries.
To support food security and improve productivity, the ministry encouraged the cultivation of more dry-season food and commercial crops, particularly rice, legumes and vegetables, while encouraging the development of agricultural production groups and cooperatives through the adoption of modern technology and clean farming methods.
The ministry has promoted the use of modern technology and clean farming practices to improve product quality and meet export standards.
To further facilitate trade, Laos is developing an import and export approval and monitoring system for agricultural products, aimed at improving trade efficiency and promoting sustainable agricultural development. - Xinhua
