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| Project to build four irrigation systems in Anouvong and Thathom districts, Xaysomboun province (Photo: TDO) |
Xaysomboun, a mountainous province in central Laos established in late 2013, faces significant infrastructure challenges, particularly in irrigation systems necessary for agricultural production. With support from the Vietnamese government, the project to build four irrigation systems in Anouvong and Thathom districts in Xaysomboun began in late 2022, with a total investment of over VND159 billion. The completed systems now provide stable irrigation, enabling high-quality and productive agricultural activities, thus improving local residents' livelihoods.
At the recent handover ceremony, Mr. Phoykham Houngboungnuang, Governor of Xaysomboun province, stated that the project would support the province's agricultural production sector, fostering commodity production and gradually reducing poverty for local people.
Nongbok district in southern Khammuane province, characterized by low plains, frequently experiences flooding due to rain, limiting agricultural production to 3,900 hectares cultivated twice a year and over 15,000 hectares cultivated once a year. To help Nongbok district increase agricultural productivity from one crop per year to two, the Vietnamese government is supporting the construction of an irrigation system. Upon completion, this system will irrigate over 500 hectares, aiding 863 households in boosting their agricultural output.
In addition to infrastructure projects, various Vietnamese companies operating in Laos have undertaken meaningful activities to assist the Lao people in economic development and improving living standards. In 2023, International Cooperation Company 705 under the Military Region 2 of the Vietnam People's Army provided the Oudomxay Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry with 10 tons of rice seeds worth approximately VND430 million. These seeds, which have been successfully cultivated in Vietnam, yield 7 tons per hectare.
Mr. Khamphone Lamay, Director of the Oudomxay Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry, said the rice seeds selected by Military Region 2 of Vietnam are of high quality. If they are suitable for local soil conditions, they will ensure food security and increase production for both domestic consumption and potential export.
Evaluating the effectiveness of agricultural cooperation projects between Vietnam and Laos, Mr. Viengsavanh Vilayphone, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, noted that Vietnam supports Laos in researching and implementing agricultural development policies, promoting high-tech agricultural cooperation and investment to produce clean agricultural products and sustainable management. “We need to focus on strengthening cooperation in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and rural development between border regions of the two countries," he added.
According to the Laos-Vietnam Cooperation Committee, the quality and adherence to design specifications in agricultural infrastructure projects have maximized their functionality, enabling high-quality agricultural production, improving local livelihoods, gradually eradicating poverty and positively impacting the regional ecological environment. This reflects the commitment of both the Vietnamese and Lao governments to enhancing agricultural cooperation./.