Many farmer dont grow rice anymore, they choose to cultivate other plants instead. it is so sad that we import lots of rice from vietnam and thailand, I think it is hard year for Lao farmer in 2009 . what should they do to increase the income and buy rice. ? as you guys know, the flood hits Laos on August,2008 and that will affect lots of Lao farmer.....i think there is way to support the farmer to back growing rice in 2009, what do you think?
I think the government has to set up a rice farming department and hire the unemployed labor to grow rice all year round. By this way, Laos will not have unemployed labor no more and Laos can export rice to the world.
in 2008 the increased price of rice have stirred trouble in some parts of the world. however, laos have reported domestic production surplus and falling prices. an opposite situation faced by other nations and the world market.
those rice farmers who are fearing the falling prices of rice are considering, as an alternative and until the price are profitable, growing different crops instead. this, in my opinion, if it happens will end a way of life.
it will make it harder for laos to make any money from the rice production. ?does laos have the right to sell its surplus to the world market. ?or are its two neighbors trying to corner the market by themselves.
some questions come to mine:
1. ?Why have the pdr not sell the surplus to the world market?
2. laos is between two of the world's largest rice producers. ?are these two neighbors affecting the domestic price and supply of rice in laos.
Is it because Laos produces mainly sticky rice? Most countries import non-sticky rice (e.g. Hom Mali from Thailand) as sticky rice is not part of their local cuisine.
?is the same wet land capable of growing both sticky and non-sticky rice.
if laos is able to produce surplus even when hampered by great flood, it means it has developed its growing success with great efficiency and have learned how to make productive use of technology.
the world will always need rice. if we can grow it, there will always be hungry people in this world.
