Laos plans to produce over 2 million tonnes of rice

Vientiane (VNA) – Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry plans to yield over 2.4 million tonnes of rice on 635,000 ha nationwide this year, local media reported on July 5.

The plan aims to ensure Laos’ domestic rice consumption and reducing its imports of the food, the Lao news agency (KPL) cited the ministry as saying.

With a population of 6 million people, Laos needs at least 2.5 million tonnes of paddy rice per year, the news agency added.

If the country wants to export rice, it should produce more than 3 million tonnes per year, KPL cited President of Agricultural Product Processing and Production Group, Sisouphanh Sengsavanh, as saying. –