Delegation from the Departments of Agriculture and Forestry of Houaphan, Luang Prabang, and Luang Namtha provinces of the Lao People's Democratic Republic visited and held discussions with the Son La Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

Annually, the Son La Department of Agriculture and Rural Development organizes delegations to visit Laos provinces for experience-sharing and technical production exchanges. The department collaborates with the Lao Departments of Agriculture and Forestry to survey climate and soil conditions, and supports the implementation of suitable fruit tree cultivation and livestock models. Additionally, it facilitates and hosts visiting delegations from neighboring provinces to explore agricultural economic models in Son La. The department also assigns staff to provide timely technical guidance and support, helping neighboring provinces effectively implement assistance programs.

Since 2020, the Son La Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has collaborated with the Houaphan Department of Agriculture and Forestry, providing 17,900 seedlings to farmers in Houaphan. This includes 5,330 mango trees, over 10,400 pomelo trees, and more than 2,170 late-ripening longan trees. The plants are currently growing well, with minimal pests and diseases, and began yielding fruit in 2023. The two departments have also held a meeting to evaluate their joint efforts in forest protection, development, and fire prevention along the Son La-Houaphan border for 2023, and signed a cooperation agreement.

With Luang Prabang Province, the two departments hold an annual meeting to assess their cooperation on forest protection, development, and fire prevention along the Son La-Houaphan border, and sign a cooperation agreement. They have collaborated on surveying and implementing fruit tree cultivation models in Phon Thong and Nam Bak districts. Additionally, they have agreed to propose to Son La Province the support of 10 hectares for mango cultivation in Phon Thong and 10 hectares for longan cultivation in Nam Bak, Luang Prabang Province.

Additionally, the Son La Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has partnered with the Luang Namtha Department of Agriculture and Forestry to survey and evaluate the suitability of weather, climate, and soil conditions in Vieng Phou Kha District. They have selected sites to support the development of 20 hectares of orange, 5 hectares of pomelo, and 25 hectares of mango cultivation in Tha Luong and Nam Cap villages.

In the coming period, the Son La Department of Agriculture and Rural Development will continue to work with the Departments of Agriculture and Forestry from neighboring Laos provinces to promote investment and trade in agricultural products. Efforts will focus on showcasing agricultural and rural development potential, enhancing information exchange in agriculture and forestry, and regularly organizing delegations to meet, share experiences, and visit production models in these sectors. These activities aim to further strengthen and deepen the special friendship and comprehensive cooperation between Son La Province and the Laos provinces, reinforcing their enduring partnership.

Hong Le

Translated by Huyen Vu