LAO PDR National IPM Programme

Facts and figures Operational since: 1996, when Lao PDR joined FAO Regional Vegetable IPM Programme and began ricebased IPM FFS training. Vegetable FFS training since 1999 and Fruit FFS training since 2007 Implementing agency: Plant Protection Centre, DOA Partners: Phonsoung Agriculture Development Centre, Oxfam Belgium, SEARICE and CDEA Donors: Governments of the Netherlands, Australia, Norway and Sweden FFS conducted: 719 Farmers trained: 22,000 (14 % female) Trainers active: 14 (14 % female) Main crops: Rice, vegetables (cabbage, cucumber, tomato and yard long bean) and fruits (water melon)

Achievements:
Over the last decade, thousands of Lao farmers in 8 major rice and vegetable growing provinces have benefitted from participation in rice and vegetable Farmers Field School (FFS) conducted by the Lao National IPM Programme. IPM FFS graduate farmers typically reduce pesticide inputs, get higher yields and make better profits compared to conventional (LP) farmers. This is due to
better crop management decisions as a result of regular field monitoring and expert agroecosystem analysis. The participatory and discovery-based learning processes employed in the FFS can be attributed to improved knowledge, skills and practice among IPM farmers. A comparison between IPM and local conventional (LP) practice in yard long bean production is given in the graphs below:

Source: 2008 Yard long beans FFS Report conducted in Hatpha-in Village, Saithany District, Vientiane Capital

With the increase in pesticide use in Lao agriculture in recent years, particularly in contract and concession farming business, the Lao National IPM Programme implements awareness raising activities aimed at pesticide risk reduction in rural communities. Apart from access to IPM-FFS training, farmers learn about better handling, storage and disposal of agro-chemicals.

Water melon fruits from the 2008 Pesticide Risk Reduction Field Studies in Ake Xang Village, Vientiane Province

Sustainability:
With the assistance from FAO, the Lao National IPM Programme has implemented training of trainers and farmer IPM training, using the innovative and effective FFS approach. Thousands of Lao rice and vegetable farmers have sustainably reduced inputs of agro-chemicals, obtained higher yields and better profits as a result of IPM adoption. The FFS approach has also been adapted by various local governments and NGOs (e.g. those involved in promotion of Good Agricultural Practices, Organic Agriculture Production and Plant Genetic Resource Management). All these projects make ample use of the skilled IPM farmers and extension workers trained by the Lao National IPM Programme. In recognition of the success of the programme and the importance of IPM and farmer education for human resource development in Lao PDR, the Lao Government provides co-funding for program implementation as part of the five year development plan and budget starting from 2006 onwards.

Innovations:
The Lao National IPM Programme supports farmers to improve crop production, making use of the latest techniques and developments in the horticultural sector. The Programme also assists farmers to identify and access profitable niche markets. For examples, see case studies below.

Case Study 1: Lao farmers become skilled in wet season tomato production. Lao farmers face serious bacterial wilt problems in tomato production during the wet season. Fresh tomato prices increase sharply as the wet season progresses. As Lao farmers are unable to produce and supply the demand for fresh tomatoes during the wet season, tomatoes are imported from Thailand. FAO supported the development of integrated disease management strategies for wet season tomato production within the context of IPM FFS training programmes. Links were made with the private sector (East West Seed) as to source the best varieties with highest level of BW tolerance. As a result, farmers became skilled in the production of wet season tomatoes and continue to benefit from high farm gate prices and making handsome profits in the process.

Case Study 2: Promotion of IPM and Good Agricultural Practices in Lao agriculture. As part of the development of a pilot model for farmer community education on pesticide risk reduction, the Lao National IPM Programme, in collaboration with its project partners (Phonsoung Agriculture Development Project, Oxfam Belgium and local governments), is supporting the development of training on Good Agricultural Practices for the promotion of production of safe fruits and vegetables. IPM is considered an integral component of GAP protocols and certified GAP farmers stand to benefit from better market access.

For further information:
http://www.vegetableipmasia.org/Countries/laos.htm