Agriculture ministry bolsters technical skills to improve farm production

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has decided to continue with the course for frontline officials on how they can help farmers boosting their yields. By doing so, trainees will learn technical skills that can be passed on to local farmers in order to improve crop production techniques. A total of 40 people from Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Luang Prabang and Vientiane provinces have recently been trained as such instructors at the Centre for Development and Huayxon-Huayxua Agriculture Service. The goal is to reach 3-5 farmers in each village with this approach by approximately 2025. 

The course is part of the ministry's Development Strategy to 2025 and the Vision to 2030, which try to ensure national food security and to build an agricultural production potential that is significantly contributing to the country's economy. Besides, the number of so-called 'model agricultural villages' would increase if farmers have more knowledge on production techniques. These villages would act as models for farming communities, as they follow governmental recommendations and have the right knowledge about land and crops. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry therefore expects the farm sector to be responsible for 19 percent of the national economy within six years from now. 

Information source: Vientiane Times