Luang Namtha Shuts Down Aroma Banana Farms

20/03/2017 15:13
Email Print 3544
KPL (KPL) Luang Namtha authorities have permanently suspended plantations of aroma bananas, a foreign strain, after evidence of hazardous proven chemical substances being used in banana farms.


Aroma bananas farm, Luang Namtha

Manythone Keolangsy

(KPL) Luang Namtha authorities have permanently suspended plantations of aroma bananas, a foreign strain, after evidence of hazardous proven chemical substances being used in banana farms.

The Planning and Cooperation Division under the Luang Namtha Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Department told local media on March 17 that the Luang Namtha Governor has issued an instruction on suspension of aroma banana plantations and had disallowed expanding banana farms last year.

Over the past one year, the area of banana farms, which were invested by Chinese investors, has reduced gradually and only 2,500 ha out of over 4,000 ha of aroma banana farms remain, said an authority.

Although the banana farms have created jobs for locals, the surplus application of chemicals on the banana farm have left a chemical residue that would cause a negative environmental impact and pose a threat to the living conditions of local people and will, in the long term, surely affect the tourism industry.

The chemicals used are harmful to the health and living conditions of people nearby the farms; they neither know about the possible consequences of exposure to the chemical residue nor lack knowledge about proper protection.

Banana plantation workers and locals nearby the farms have reportedly got sick and some have reportedly died following the spraying of pesticides in the farms. However, the report did not disclose the location of the farms.

Luang Namtha province authorities have suggested local people to grow alternative cash crops replacing suspended banana farms such as vegetables, cassava, Job’s tears and maize or even transform them into livestock farms.

Xayaboury, Bokeo, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Phongsaly provinces are the main areas where Chinese banana farms exist for export to their home country.

The problem is not only confined to the northern part of Laos. Hundreds of hectares of Chinese banana farms have been set up in Vientiane Province and Vientiane Capital as well.
KPL

ຂ່າວອື່ນໆ

    •  Lao Women’s Union at Party Central Office Marks 70th AnniversaryGeneral

      Lao Women’s Union at Party Central Office Marks 70th Anniversary

      7/18/2025 3:19:28 PM

      The Lao Women’s Union (LWU) at the Party Central Office held a commemorative ceremony on July 17, 2025, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the organization’s founding (July 20, 1955 – July 20, 2025). The event honored the Union’s historic role in national development and women’s empowerment.

    • Golden Throat: Another Success at Lao-Viet Expo 2025General

      Golden Throat: Another Success at Lao-Viet Expo 2025

      7/18/2025 1:32:34 PM

      Director of Nakornluang Pharma Export-Import Sole Co., Ltd., Mr Soukchaleun Duangphaya proudly announced the second showcase of GoldenThroat Cough Relief Lozenges at Viet-Lao Expo 2025, following its acclaimed debut in Laos.

    • Flash Floods Devastate Ngern District, Cutting Off Major HighwayGeneral

      Flash Floods Devastate Ngern District, Cutting Off Major Highway

      7/17/2025 9:54:36 PM

      Severe flooding struck Ngern District, Sayabouly province overnight from July 16 to 17, 2025, following hours of continuous heavy rainfall. Flash floods swept through Thong Village, Homsai Village, and Pakkaen Village, causing widespread disruption and damage.

    • Vientiane Conducts Flood Disaster Response Training with Support from Chinese PartnersGeneral

      Vientiane Conducts Flood Disaster Response Training with Support from Chinese Partners

      7/17/2025 3:15:41 PM

      The Prevention and Disaster Response Police Department of Vientiane, in collaboration with the Chinese Foundation 1628 Rescue Unit and the "Nak Noy" Underwater Search Team, conducted a joint training exercise on flood disaster response and social assistance at the Hum Reservoir in Nasaythong District, Vientiane.

    • Party-Government Recognizes Women as a Key Force in National TransformationGeneral

      Party-Government Recognizes Women as a Key Force in National Transformation

      7/17/2025 3:09:56 PM

      The Party and Government of the Lao PDR have reaffirmed the vital role of women as an essential driving force in the nation’s new era of transformation. Lao women are increasingly seen as courageous, capable, and intelligent contributors to national development, while also preserving the country’s rich culture and traditions.


Top