(KPL) A ceremony to present the National Action Plan on Sustainable Food System Transformation in the Lao PDR was held on March 2, 2026, under the chairmanship of Linkham Douangsavanh, Minister of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.

The event was attended by Bakhtiya B. Burkhanov, United Nations Resident Coordinator in the Lao PDR, the Head of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Laos, along with deputy directors general, department directors, institutes under the ministry, and representatives from international organizations, development partners, and the private sector.

The presentation of the action plan marks a significant transition from a primarily sector-based approach focused on agriculture and the environment to a more integrated, multi-sectoral framework aimed at ensuring food security. The new direction links agricultural development with commercial production, nutrition, health, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and economic growth.

The National Action Plan was formulated through broad consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, international organizations, development partners, farmers, youth, and women. It aligns with the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the five-year development plan of the agriculture and forestry sector.

The plan is structured around seven core programmes:

Food Security and Nutrition Programme

Commercial Agricultural and Forestry Production and Processing Programme

Forest Management, Protection, and Utilization Programme

Land Allocation and Management Programme

Water Resources Management Programme

Environmental Protection Programme

Rural Development and Poverty Reduction Programme

The government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, reaffirmed its strong commitment to implementing the action plan. Close coordination with international organizations and development partners will be maintained to translate the vision into concrete outcomes, including increased income for farmers, enhanced resilience to climate change, and the creation of a sustainable and environmentally rich future for coming generations.

KPL