Lao farmers explore innovative agriculture in Thailand’s upland areas

From 22 to 26 September 2025, a farmer-to-farmer study exchange visit was held in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand. The activity was organised by the Bokeo local development team under the governance component of the Local development programme. The exchange aimed to strengthen cross-border learning, foster cultural ties and promote practical knowledge-sharing among upland farming communities. A total of 25 participants joined the visit, including 15 farmers from the Bokeo districts of Meung, Paktha and Pha Oudom, alongside district coordinators, provincial officials and project staff.

The visit provided Lao farmers with an opportunity to gain insight into sustainable farming systems and innovative agricultural practices. Key areas of focus included coffee and tea cultivation; fruit tree production, such as plum, avocado and cherry; cocoa and strawberry farming; greenhouse-based vegetable production; and agroforestry systems that integrate forest conservation with crop production.

The Local development programme team provided technical advice, facilitation and coordination with Thai partners to ensure the exchange was productive, with exposure to practical cases, and directly aligned to the needs of farmers.

The exchange aims to promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable agricultural practices among Lao farmers, while fostering cross-border collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. It further highlights the potential of upland communities to enhance livelihoods through organic production, agroforestry and market-oriented farming systems.

Participants stated that the exchange visit provided valuable insight and motivation to apply lessons learned. They emphasised that the experience would contribute to future agricultural innovation and development in Bokeo’s upland villages.

The villagers plan to establish a nursery garden to prepare cash crop seedlings and saplings using the Village Development Funds granted by the Local development programme. They have already submitted a proposal for the production of 5,000 saplings. All participants requested support for technical training, funding, marketing, and tools and equipment provision.

The Local development programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Switzerland. It is jointly implemented by the Lao Ministry of Finance (formerly the Ministry of Planning and Investment) and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.