Laos Launches New Initiative to Strengthen Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Laos has launched a new agricultural development project aimed at promoting sustainable agri-food systems, improving access to finance and strengthening agricultural businesses across the country.
The initiative was launched by Laos’ Ministry of Industry and Commerce in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other development partners at a ceremony in the capital, Vientiane, on August 11.
Scheduled to run until December 2030, the project will focus on strengthening agricultural enterprises and value chains, improving food and nutrition security, expanding access to finance and helping Lao agricultural products gain greater access to international markets.
The initiative will also support farmers in adapting to the effects of climate change and improving their livelihoods.
Smallholder farmers will receive financial, technical and nutrition-related assistance designed to increase productivity and strengthen their ability to participate in agricultural value chains.
In collaboration with the World Food Programme, nutrition-focused activities will be implemented in 105 villages located within the project’s target areas.
The project will also target high-potential agricultural commodities by providing farmers and agricultural businesses with technical assistance in climate-resilient production, food safety certification and access to export markets.
These interventions are expected to improve the quality, productivity and competitiveness of Lao agricultural products.
Another major component of the initiative will involve investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. This will include the construction and rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation systems and connecting roads in Champasak, Salavan, Sekong, Huaphan, Phongsaly and Xayaboury provinces.
The project will further support the upgrading and accreditation of food safety laboratories by providing standardised equipment and strengthening technical capacity.
Improving the laboratories is expected to enable Laos to meet international food safety standards and issue internationally recognised certificates for processed agricultural products intended for export.
Overall, the initiative is expected to broaden farmers’ access to finance and technical services, strengthen agricultural enterprises and improve food safety and product quality.
By combining agricultural investment, infrastructure development, climate adaptation and improved access to international markets, the project aims to build a more competitive, sustainable and climate-resilient agri-food sector in Laos.
