Farmers struggling to meet demand for organic crops
Vientiane Times, 20 April 2010
A collective of organic farmers in Khoksai village in Hadxaifong district, Vientiane, is struggling to meet demand for fresh vegetables in Vientiane markets.
Head of the group, Mr Ounkaeng Phommasaen, said yesterday the farmers are finding it difficult to adapt to changing weather conditions which affect several kinds of crops, especially onions, cabbage and tomatoes.
In years gone by most farmers in the group were able to harvest higher quality yields compared to this year.
“What's more, we can no longer earn 40 million kip a year from selling our organically grown vegetables,” Mr Ounkaeng said
“In the past we usually made around 40-45 million kip a year from selling our crops.”
To try and increase supply and satisfy demand, Mr Ounkaeng said the group plans to extend cultivation areas before the wet season begins.
“We're trying to encourage other farmers to see the benefits of using organic fertilisers, both to their incomes and their health.”
He said using organic farming methods means improved living conditions as farmers are able to ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
Mr Ounkaeng said using organic fertilisers instead of chemicals during the rainy season would allow farmers in the cooperative to harvest higher quality yields.
However, the farmers struggle to produce high yields in the dry season with organic fertilisers.
Vientiane residents, hotels and restaurants are becoming increasingly interested in using organically grown produce, mainly due to the health benefits and superior taste.
Organic crops such as long beans, garlic, tomatoes, cucumbers and cabbages keep better on market stalls and in the refrigerator than those grown using chemicals.
The group's aim is to raise awareness about organic agriculture amongst all people, from farmers to consumers and policy makers, and to organise more collective farming groups in areas suitable for organic cultivation.
Mr Ounkaeng said another major goal was to develop regulatory frameworks to support organic agriculture in terms of trade and marketing throughout the country, as well as for export markets in the future.
The cooperative has around 30 families as members, who all grow organic food to supply to Vientiane markets.
Although organic farming methods reduce pollution run-off and help to preserve the natural environment, many farmers still use chemical fertilisers on their crops.
