Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for the need for food security and the modernisation of agricultural production through a self-reliant economic strategy.

Speaking at a meeting on Saturday to review the agriculture and forestry sector’s 2025 performance, Mr Siphandone stressed that the nation must prioritise domestic capacity. 

He noted that strengthening local plant and animal breeding, scientific innovation, and the production of key agricultural inputs is essential for long-term stability.

The Prime Minister urged officials to focus on soil improvement, the protection of productive farmland, and the creation of concentrated production zones equipped with modern infrastructure. 

To reduce the country’s heavy reliance on imports, he emphasised the need to expand the domestic manufacturing of animal feed, fertilisers, pesticides, and veterinary medicines.

Effective water management was identified as a critical factor for increasing national output. 

Mr Siphandone highlighted the importance of expanding wet-season rice cultivation while shifting more focus toward high-value dry-season crops. Furthermore, he stated that strengthening food processing, sanitation standards, and food reserves would help the country build better resilience against natural disasters and the growing impacts of climate change.

Source: People Gazette
Image Credit: UNFPA – Lao