VIENTIANE, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is working to produce more essential food items to ensure a sufficient nationwide supply and reduce imports.
Lao News Agency on Thursday quoted Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh saying that in 2024, the ministry made significant progress in efforts to produce more essential food items such as rice, meat, eggs, fish and vegetables.
In 2024, farmers grew 3.7 million tons of paddy rice, ensuring surplus reserves of the staple crop. Total food crop production reached 2.6 million tons, exceeding the target by 6 percent, while commercial crop output rose to 11 million tons, surpassing the target by 12.9 percent.
The production of meat, eggs and fish also met the target. However, some agricultural products and food items are still imported.
The ministry will increase domestic production and limit the entry of imported goods. This measure aims to control the quality and quantity of imported goods while promoting local production.
Other priorities include redefining production plans to link commodities with processing and crop seed production, and strengthening agricultural research and extension centers.
These efforts aim to ensure farmers can meet domestic demand while creating exportable products, reducing production costs, and increasing competitiveness.
The ministry will allocate farmland based on local conditions, form new cooperatives, and support farmers and businesses to boost productivity and crop quality. ■