Latest news with #AgricultureandForestry
The Star
a day ago
- Business
- The Star
First mango shipment from Laos to China signals agricultural trade era
The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh (centre), leading a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 30 to mark the formal send-off of Laos' first mango shipment to China. - VT VIENTIANE: Ninety tonnes of fresh mangoes from Laos have been despatched to Chinese markets, which are anticipated to have a total demand for 1,500 tonnes of the fruit. The ceremony marking the inaugural shipment, held on May 30, was a milestone for Laos's agricultural sector. Laos celebrated the departure of its first shipment of fresh mangoes, equivalent to three truckloads, to China. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, senior economic and commercial counsellors from the Chinese Embassy in Laos, and officials and representatives from both countries. The historic export marked a significant step in strengthening agricultural cooperation between Laos and China. It followed the 2023 agreement by both governments allowing the export of fresh Lao mangoes to Chinese markets, a deal that opened the door to expanded trade and investment opportunities. Speaking at the event, the Director General of the Department of Agriculture under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Bounchan Kombounyasith, highlighted the importance of meeting stringent plant health and hygiene standards while preparing the shipment. 'We are prioritising the promotion of high-potential agricultural products that meet international market demands,' he said, adding that such efforts aim to reduce import reliance, conserve foreign currency, and encourage value-added processing for exports. Zhang Ziyong, who represented Henan Changjiu Agricultural Technology Co Ltd, shared insights on the scale of mango cultivation in Laos. 'Mango farming has seen rapid growth, with a total cultivated area of 2,248 hectares across Laos in 2023. This partnership not only benefits local farmers but also enhances regional trade integration,' he said. He said exports of mangoes from Laos are anticipated to grow to 1,500 tonnes in the years to come. To date, Laos and China have officially agreed on 35 plant health and quarantine protocols. Laos's agricultural production has been on an upward trend, touching 11.09 million tonnes in 2024, a 14 percent increase over the previous year. Major contributors to this growth include crops such as hard maize, sugarcane, cassava, bananas, watermelons and coffee. Commercial crop cultivation too has demonstrated impressive results, with an estimated output of 9.71 million tonnes, or 99 per cent of an ambitious 9.75 million tonne target for 2024, according to a report presented at the first Lao Agri Expo last year. The value of agriculture and forestry exports exceeded US$1,214 million in the first nine months of 2024, surpassing the approved target of US$1,200 million by one per cent. As the trucks rolled out, carrying the fruits of Lao soil towards new international markets, the moment underscored a broader vision: Laos is emerging as a key player in regional agritrade, leveraging its natural resources to strengthen economic ties and uplift rural livelihoods. - Vientiane Times/ANN
The Star
4 days ago
- General
- The Star
Laos aims for 70 per cent forest cover to secure greener future
VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Laos continues its efforts to protect the environment and build a better future for the next generation by emphasising the vital role of forests in supporting livelihoods and mobilising people nationwide to help the government achieve its target of restoring forest cover to 70 per cent of the country's land area. To mark Laos' National Arbor Day on June 1, tree planting ceremonies will take place across the country. The National Arbor Day aims to raise public awareness, especially among youth, about the importance of forests and their sustainable use. The Lao government has prioritized forest management through policies and regulations aligned with national development goals. "I strongly support the government's goal to restore forest cover, as I believe it is essential for Laos' environmental health and future. "To succeed, the government should work closely with communities, enforce laws against illegal logging, and raise awareness about forest protection," Sengdeuan, an office worker in Lao capital Vientiane, told Xinhua. He emphasized that many villagers, especially young people, are eager to contribute by planting trees and conserving forests. "Restoring our forests is a shared responsibility that will help secure a greener, healthier Laos for generations to come," Sengdeuan added. Phongsavanh, a resident of southern Laos' Savannakhet, emphasized the vital importance of forests for both Laos and the world, highlighting their role in providing clean air, regulating the climate, and preserving biodiversity. "I believe that educating children about forest conservation from a young age is crucial. I urge families, schools, and all sectors to invest more in raising awareness and engaging youth in environmental protection," he said. Somchai, a resident of Vientiane province, emphasized that tree planting is a key step toward a greener future for Laos, highlighted the environmental benefits of trees and stressed that building a sustainable future starts with local communities joining hands to plant and protect them. She said that if everyone understands the importance of trees, we can make a real difference. She urged communities to join hands, work together, and make tree planting and forest protection regular activities. Ahead of the National Arbor Day, Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh urged citizens to protect the nation's forests through green and sustainable practices. He highlighted forests' vital role in preserving soil, water, and biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and supporting sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and rural livelihoods. He also emphasiised that sustainable forest management is key to reducing poverty among ethnic communities. The government is encouraging all public and private sectors, as well as communities across the country, to take part in tree-planting activities based on local conditions. - Xinhua
The Star
18-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cassava exports from Laos surge as railway boosts trade efficiency
VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): Cassava exports from Laos have grown significantly in early 2025, thanks to increased shipments along the Laos-China Railway. In the first five months this year, the railway transported 5,750 containers of cassava (about 156,000 tonnes), marking a 43 percent rise compared to the same period in 2024, according to the Laos-China Railway Company Limited. During the same period, the railway also carried 172,410 tons of Lao agricultural goods, a 40.18 percent increase from last year. This success came as the railway now follows a 'prioritizing approval and prioritizing transportation' policy, ensuring that goods like cassava are moved quickly, regardless of volume, making cassava the leading agricultural export being transported via the railway. Strong Demand, But Supply Still Falls Short Driven by strong market demand, many Lao farmers have shifted to cassava cultivation. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh mentioned during a March meeting in Pakse, Champassak Province, that cassava farming is expanding across the country. However, Laos is currently facing a production gap. The country's 22 tapioca factories can only process around 1 million tonnes of cassava annually – far short of the 3.7 million tonnes needed to meet domestic demand. In 2024, Laos produced about 7.4 million tonnes of cassava and exported over 2.4 million tonnes, earning more than USD 440 million. Major growing areas include Champasack, Vientiane, Xayaboury, Sekong, Salavan, and Bolikhamxay provinces. Cassava was Laos' top export in January 2024, bringing in US$94 million of the total US$561 million in exports. This rose slightly to US$95 million in February. Despite this growth, the country still faced a trade deficit of US$40 million in early 2024, largely due to reliance on imports, especially from Thailand. Railway Strengthens Trade Links with China Despite the challenges, the Laos-China Railway still serves as a crucial route for moving agricultural products quickly and efficiently. The railway also offers several advantages for exporters, such as lower costs, faster delivery, and easier access to key markets in China, including Kunming, Chongqing, and Guangzhou. In response to rising demand, the railway has improved scheduling, increased the number of daily train services, and streamlined customs clearance with both Lao and Chinese authorities. Since its launch in 2021 to March this year, the Laos-China Railway transported over 54 million tonnes of goods and carried more than 48.6 million passengers. It has also enabled time-sensitive exports, such as bananas and coffee beans, to reach international markets more efficiently. - Laotian Times
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Farmers celebrate new rules to limit forestry conversions - but does a loophole still remain?
Farmers are celebrating new rules to limit farm conversion to forestry. Photo: RNZ / Kate Newton Farmers are celebrating new rules to limit farm conversion to forestry but worry loopholes remain. Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced new legislation will be introduced later this year placing restrictions on full farm-to-forest conversions on Land Use Classification (LUC) 1-6 land. Under the changes, which took effect from 4 December last year, when the policy was originally announced, up to a quarter of farms can be planted in forestry for the Emmisions Trading Scheme (ETS). There will also be a ban on full farm to forest conversions from entering the ETS for LUC 1-5 actively farmed land and an annual registration cap of 15,000-hectares for forestry entering the ETS for LUC 6 farmland. McClay said the Government was focused on maintaining strong food and fibre production while supporting sustainable land use. "We remain concerned about the effect that farm conversions are having on highly productive land - particularly sheep and beef farms in Northland, the East Coast and parts of Otago and Southland." While Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams welcomed the changes, he worried loopholes remained which allow for further farm to forest conversions. Williams also raised concerns about transitional measures for landowners with evidence they were in the process of afforestation prior to the announcement, such as ordering seedlings. "The idea that buying seedlings before December 2024 is an intention to plant is an absolute joke," he said, adding it created a loophole for exploitation. "If a forester didn't own the land, they can't have had any real commitment to plant it. Having a contract on seedlings shouldn't be accepted. "We're also hearing stories of farmland being bought for conversion to forestry, with the intention of on selling to foreign investors to get around overseas investment rules." Williams said forestry was important and he wanted to see more processing and value-add programmes in New Zealand - his concerns related to the loss of productive farmland. New Zealand Forest Owners Association (FOA) president Matt Wakelin said the new planting rules were creating "uncertainty" for forest owners, with nurseries already reporting reduced demand for seedlings. "New Zealand forest owners are supportive of integrated land use where farming and forestry can co-exist, however this new policy appears to restrict forestry rather than recognise it as a vital primary industry and core contributor to climate mitigation," Wakelin said. He said the moratorium on full farm afforestation and the limiting of planting on Land Use Classes 1-6 was "unduly hurting" forest owners and much of New Zealand's LUC6 land was ill suited for food production but ideal for planting trees. "The restrictions placed on LUC6 land pushes planting of trees to marginal or less productive land which will have an impact on future timber and fibre supply, jobs and forestry's ability to support New Zealand in meeting its climate change obligations." Wakelin said the changes also added another layer of complexity to the ETS and more clarity was needed. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Zawya
12-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sudan's grain production in 2024-2025 summer season reaches 6.6mln tons minister
Khartoum: Sudan's grain production has reached 6.6 million tons during 2024-2025 summer season, marking the highest production rate in five years, Abu-Bakr Al-Bushra, Sudanese minister of Agriculture and Forestry, announced on Tuesday. The figure "is 62 percent higher than last year, and 7 percent higher than the average in the past five years," exceeding Sudan's annual food requirements of 5.5-6 million tons, the minister said at a press conference in Port Sudan. The minister specified that the production figures include maize, millet, and wheat, and noted that the crops were planted mid-last year and harvested between February and March of this year. "The ministry is keen to expand agricultural activities, especially during the summer seasons, to ensure the availability of a strategic stock of grains that form the food source for the majority of the population," he added. Despite the positive agricultural output, Sudan's agricultural sector, which contributes over 30 percent of the country's GDP, has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudan's grain production for the 2023-2024 summer season stood at around 4.1 million tons. According to the ministry, agricultural activities in areas controlled by the RSF in Gezira and Sinnar States were suspended during the last summer season due to the looting of agricultural machinery, seeds, and fertilizers, as well as security concerns, fuel shortages, and the high costs of agricultural operations amid rising unemployment. Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict between the SAF and the RSF, which has claimed at least 29,683 lives, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, a crisis monitoring group cited by the United Nations. The conflict has also displaced over 15 million people, both inside and outside Sudan, according to estimates by the International Organization for Migration. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
