Speaking during the 10th Ordinary Session of the 9th Legislature of the National Assembly, chaired by Mr Saysomphone Phomvihane, Minister Linkham responded to questions from Assembly Members regarding the need to strengthen agricultural commodity production and processing, improve productivity, enhance farmers’ skills, and expand market access for Lao agricultural products.

He reported that agricultural and forestry commodity production has steadily expanded in recent years, with several large-scale projects emerging and increasing the capacity to substitute imports and boost exports. Between 2021 and 2025, the export value of agricultural and forestry products averaged US$1.57 billion per year, exceeding the target by 31.4%. In the first ten months of 2025 alone, exports reached US$1.54 billion, already surpassing the annual plan.

However, Minister Linkham acknowledged that modernization and industrialization in agriculture remain limited, citing challenges such as insufficient mechanization, low application of science and technology, limited irrigation systems, and heavy reliance on natural rainfall. Export goods remain mostly raw materials, markets are concentrated in neighbouring countries, production costs are high, and infrastructure supporting production is still underdeveloped. Supply chains are weak, and access to financial resources remains constrained.

To address these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has defined several key measures:

Develop and refine policies to stimulate production and reduce costs, including support for producers of seeds, fertilizers, and animal feed, and incentives for the use of advanced technology and innovation.

Implement national policies on crop cultivation, livestock, and aquaculture in detail.

Improve access to capital, market information, and import mechanisms for essential production inputs such as seeds, breeds, veterinary medicines, fertilizers, and machinery.

Promote modern and clean farming practices, converting traditional cultivation into organized farm systems.

Support investment in logistics systems and infrastructure, including laboratories for pest and residue analysis, processing plants, drying facilities, and storage warehouses at both central and local levels.

Minister Linkham also noted that more than 60 Lao agricultural products have already gained access to foreign markets, and the ministry will continue promoting production to meet international standards and expand export opportunities.

KPL