VIENTIANE, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has prioritized strengthening food security and promoting export-oriented commodity production, with crop and crop product exports reaching 752 million U.S. dollars in the first five months of 2026, equivalent to 62.6 percent of the annual plan.
The main export products included bananas, dried cassava, watermelon, cassava flour, and coffee, the Vientiane Mai newspaper reported on Tuesday.
In addition, exports of livestock and livestock products grew to 81.21 million dollars, accounting for 40.6 percent of the 2026 target, while exports of timber, timber products and non-timber forest products totalled 158.64 million dollars, achieving 31.7 percent of the target.
A key achievement of the ministry has been the expansion of export markets, with Laos securing access for 84 agricultural and livestock product lines in neighboring countries.
To support food security and improve productivity, the ministry encouraged the cultivation of more dry-season food and commercial crops, particularly rice, legumes, and vegetables, while encouraging the development of agricultural production groups and cooperatives through the adoption of modern technology and clean farming methods.
The ministry has promoted the use of modern technology and clean farming practices to improve product quality and meet export standards.
To further facilitate trade, Laos is developing an import and export approval and monitoring system for agricultural products, aimed at improving trade efficiency and promoting sustainable agricultural development. ■
