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Organic vegetable growers wilt amid falling prices
Many families engaged in the commercial cultivation of organic vegetables in Boungphao village in Thoulakhom district, Vientiane province, have opted to cease production as prices continue to fall.
“These families have stopped growing for now, as they're only making 1 million kip per month at present,” Head of the Production of Commercial Organic Vegetable Growers' Group, Mr Khamfong Phommavixay, told Vientiane Times on Monday.
He said all the members of the farming group prefer to grow crops during the rainy season as the sale price of vegetables tends to rise then. On average, one farmer can make more than 3 million kip per month. Prices normally begin to rise after Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year), with vegetables fetching better prices from the middle of April to the end of August.
Currently, 18 families are growing organic vegetables on 54 plots in Boungphao village. Mr Khamfong said growers are in the process of expanding their plots, and will soon have more than 100.
The establishment of organic farms in the area was supported by the Asian Development Bank with the aim of expanding the production of organic produce in Laos, which remains largely unpolluted by industrial fertilisers.
Most organic vegetables grown in Boungphao village are delivered to the organic produce market held on the That Luang esplanade, for sale to shoppers in Vientiane. Vientiane residents have shown a growing interest in buying organic produce in recent years.
The organic fruit and vegetable market at That Luang esplanade was established after the demand from local consumers was recognised, and continues to gain in popularity every year. Last year farmers from the group supplied over 1,000 tonnes of organic produce to the market.
“Eating fruit and vegetables that have been organically farmed is very good for your health because they are free of harmful chemicals,” Mr Khamfong said. The Organic Weekend Market at That Luang is open from 5am to 7am every Saturday and Sunday.
Organic agriculture refers to a system that manages ecological interactions without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides to promote and enhance soil fertility and plant health, and prevent pest and disease outbreaks.
This holistic approach emphasises the recycling of on-farm resources such as fodder, manure, compost and rice straw. This differs from non-organic agriculture which is focused on managing for increased yields using chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
Organic agriculture systems eliminate the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides because of the negative impacts these chemicals have on human health. Laos has conditions which are quite conducive to organic agriculture because of the good soil quality, clean water and an abundance of rain and sunshine.
Many farmers in Laos have dec reased their use of chemical fertilisers because of the high price of these chemicals. They have switched to using fodder, manure, compost, and rice straw. Organic agriculture require lower levels of investment and is supported by government policy, Mr Khamfong pointed out.
vientiane times
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