MORE than 100,000 tons of maize grown in Sayaboury province was reported recently to have been exported and sold in local markets.
The increase in exports and sales is due to the promotion of maize as an export crop by the provincial authorities. Mr. Bounghang Chandalasone, Deputy Secretary of the Sayaboury province's Party Committee, said that Sayaboury is one of richest provinces in terms of natural resources, and that along this with the traditionally busy and very strong people has enabled the authority to implement a number of plans, especially the socio-economic development one that has improved the living conditions of many people in the area.
The people of Sayaboury are now using modern agricultural technologies for their production. There are 7,200 tractors and 44 irrigation systems in the province. This has enabled the province's farmers to expand their production and use the surplus for trade.
This year alone the province has exported agricultural products to other provinces and neighboring countries, earning US$ nine million in profits.
The provincial authority's five year plan (2005-2010) will focus on expanding production further in order to better export the surplus goods. Mr. Bonngnang said the province is expected to harvest 150,000 tons of maize, 50,000 tons of starch and 50,000ha of Pala rubber during the remainder of this year.
