Farmers advance coffee and tea development: practical nursery training held in Meung District

Farmers in northern Lao PDR are strengthening their skills in sustainable coffee and tea production thanks to a hands-on training programme supported by the Local development programme. Building on a successful study visit to Thailand, the initiative equips farmers with practical techniques to establish high-quality nurseries and promote climate-resilient agroforestry systems that protect forests and improve livelihoods.

Following the successful farmer-to-farmer study visit to Houaynamkoun Village in Chiang Rai, Thailand, a practical training session was held from 24 to 27 November 2025 for 14 key farmers from Meung, Paktha and Pha Oudom districts (Bokeo Province, Lao PDR). Accompanied by technical staff from the District Agriculture and Environment Office, the group travelled to Ban Monlaem in Bokeo Province to enhance their skills in establishing quality nurseries for coffee and tea plants.

Supported by the Local development programme, the training was conducted by experts from Houaynamkoun Village. The session focused on building and managing high-quality nurseries to lay the groundwork for planting coffee and tea in identified forest areas under sustainable agroforestry systems. These systems aim to preserve forest cover, improve soil and water protection, and support climate-resilient livelihoods.

The event brought together dedicated farmers, village representatives and district technical staff involved in expanding coffee and tea production. The programme ensured the smooth delivery of the training through technical guidance, budget support and logistics.

The key outcome of this initiative is that farmers now possess the practical skills necessary to build nurseries, manage seedlings and plant coffee and tea, fostering new agroforestry areas and improving incomes. The collaboration with Thai Akha and Lahu experts from Houaynamkoun Village will guide future steps.

During the training, the District governor of Meung expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, acknowledging its potential benefits for farmers and the local economy. The Local development programme will continue to support the farmers as they establish nurseries and prepare for their first planting cycles in the coming months.

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.