19 February 2013
A bright future for vegetable research and development
Vegetable industry development is on the menu for Australian and Lao PDR researchers.
A planning workshop in Vientiane was recently convened by Australia’s New South Wales Department of Primary Industries with funding from the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).
The purpose of the workshop was to scope the potential for a longer-term project to diversify vegetable industry production in order to increase incomes for smallholder farmers.
The workshop was held on 11 February at the Settha Palace Hotel and was attended by 20 representatives from the Lao Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Centre, Horticulture Research Centre, Champasack Department of Agriculture and Forestry, CUSO, farmers from Hatsayphong District, National University of Laos and ACIAR.
Researchers validated the findings of a recent development study. They discussed priority opportunities, such as high-value production from peri-urban (Vientiane) and out-of-season (Champsack and other medium–to–high elevation areas) systems; and capacity to meet export sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) requirements which could lead to increased trade.
The workshop was opened by the Australian Ambassador for Laos H.E. Ms Lynda Worthaisong and closed by Mr Phaydy Phiaxaysarakham, Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture.
Speaking at the project inception workshop in Vientiane on 11 February 2013, the Australian Ambassador to Lao PDR, H.E. Ms Lynda Worthaisong, reaffirmed the Australian Government's commitment to supporting a broad range of agricultural research in Lao PDR. In 2012/13, the Australian Government, through ACIAR, is investing $5.7 million across 24 agricultural research and development and capacity building projects. “ACIAR has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with Lao PDR spanning more than 20 years across a wide range of agricultural sectors including: forestry, fisheries, animal health, land and water resources, soil management and crop nutrition and cropping systems” said Ms Worthaisong.
Mr Phaydy Phiaxiasarakham, the Deputy Director General of the Department of Agriculture of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry reported that " horticultural research is necessary and important so that Lao PDR can meet its' obligation to ASEAN and international SPS Conventions over the next few years. This will ensure that fruits and vegetables from Lao PDR have access to potentially lucrative international markets in the region".
Les Baxter, ACIAR’s Horticulture program manager commented that there were potential opportunities to vastly improve the livelihoods of many Lao smallholder farmers.
“There are some activities that could be undertaken within the vegetable industry in Laos. Activities could include development of out-of-season production technologies, introduction of integrated pest management practices, better post-harvest management strategies and advancing sustainable crop production,” Mr Baxter said.
Resulting from the workshop, a project proposal will be prepared and will be discussed with the potential project partners prior to being considered by the Lao Government. If successful, the project may commence as early as July 2013.
For more information please contact:
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)
C/o: Australian Embassy
Vientiane
Tel.: +856 21 353800
Or Mr Les Baxter
ACIAR Research Program Manager
E-mail: [email protected]
Australian Ambassador is on the sixth left side.