Support local farmers markets, support farmers for food security

Cr: LaoFAB moderator

Around 30 percent of Vientiane clean agriculture production has been impacted adversely by the COVID-19 outbreak as well as hotter weather conditions, an official in the sector said.

Head of Vientiane Organic Agriculture Production Group, Mr. Khamphou Phanthaboun told the media recently the group has 288 families producing for markets, and 30 percent of their production has been affected by the more difficult growing and selling conditions.

The local organic markets usually sold an average of eight to nine tonnes of produce every Saturday, but the coronavirus pandemic meant that fewer customers were attending, he said.

source: VT Times

Food security concerns mount as COVID-19, as well as hotter weather and Thunderstorm conditions disruption leaves Laos farmers unable to plant.

We have a chance to visited the organic market Last Saturday, they usually open on Wednesday and Saturday at the ITECC but there are also many places in Vientiane and in other provincial. Many fresh and processed products are waiting for you to buy, if you have an opportunity please support local farmers’ markets, support farmers for food security. Some photos from the organic market in Vientiane, at LaoITECC. LaoFAB Facebook.

There are many local farmers markets around you, and there is some reason to support local farmers markets,

Taste Real Flavors, The fruits and vegetables you buy at the farmers market are the freshest and tastiest available.
Enjoy the Season, The food you buy at the farmers market is seasonal.
Support Family Farmers, Family farmers need your support, now that small family farms have a hard time competing in the food marketplace and they have to help themselves.
Discover the Spice of Life: Variety. It is a charm of the local market.
At the farmers market, you find an amazing array of products that you don’t see in your average supermarket.
Know Where Your Food Comes From.

COVID-19 also cause a problem to farmers in Myanmar: Food security concerns mount as COVID-19 disruption leaves Myanmar farmers unable to plant

Full article: click

Myanmar is now at risk of missing the entire season of production unless agricultural activities and access to finances resume within the next two weeks. Worse, experts warn there could be a severe food shortage in six months if farmers are unable to start planting before the monsoon arrives.

Food crisis

This trend of reduced food production, transport constraints, and price volatility could lead to disruptions in food supply chains, different forms of social breakdown, and even fatalities, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in Myanmar.

“As of now, the priority is to ensure that we save lives and jointly implement measures to ensure that this pandemic does not translate into a food crisis,” said FAO representative Xiaojie Fan.