KPL
A new chapter in agricultural development began with the official opening of rice breeding infrastructure under the Project for Establishing the Foundation for Modern Rice Production in the Lao PDR. The ceremony took place in Makheo Village, Pakngum District, Vientiane Capital.
(KPL) A new chapter in agricultural development began with the official opening of rice breeding infrastructure under the Project for Establishing the Foundation for Modern Rice Production in the Lao PDR. The ceremony took place in Makheo Village, Pakngum District, Vientiane Capital.
The event was co-chaired by H.E. Mrs. Chanthakhone Boualaphanh, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry; H.E. Mr. Chung Yang Soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Lao PDR; and representatives from key partner organizations.
Mr. Phetmanyseng Xayyasane, Acting Director General of the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), reported on the project’s progress. Launched in 2023, the five-year initiative (2023–2027) covers three villages—Naxa, Makheo, and Maknao-Nuea—and is supported by a total budget of USD 3.85 million. The project aims to directly benefit 693 households.
A key feature of the initiative is the consolidation of small, rainfed rice fields into larger, more efficient plots. To date, around 723 hectares have been consolidated—approximately 80% of the 904-hectare target.
Major infrastructure achievements include:
Three rice milling units, each capable of processing 45 tons of rice per day.
Rice sorting machines with a capacity of 1.5 tons per hour.
Seed sorting machines with a similar capacity of 1.5 tons per hour.
All facilities are housed in newly constructed buildings.
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