12 June 2019, Savannakhet Province, Lao People's Democratic Republic - Government of Japan  and FAO are working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to support farmers affected by floods in 2018 in Savannakhet province by providing technical assistance and agricultural inputs to most affected poor farming households. 

Mr. Nasar Hayat, Representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Lao PDR handed over 53 tons of rice seeds to 1716 farmer households in the 77 target villages of eight most affected areas of Savannakhet province, which include Xaybouly, Songkhone, Xayphouthong, Champone, Sonbouly, Adsaphone, Vilabouly and Xepon districts. While speaking to the farmers he said that there is a need to build resilience against disasters so that the farmers are able to cope with such situations themselves in future.

The handover ceremony of agriculture input to flood effected farmers for rehabilitation and reconstruction of agriculture sector in flood affected areas is under the project on “Increasing resilience to food and nutrition insecurity through building back better flood-affected agriculture livelihoods in Lao PDR” funded by the government of Japan. FAO Laos has supported technical advice to farmers and PAFO as well as distribution of agriculture input to most vulnerable households.

On this occasion, distinguished guests included Mr. Phouthavong Phommachanh, Vice District Governor of Sekong district, Mr. Khamlui Gnativong, General Director of PAFO and Mr. Thavysouk Phothichack, General Director of DAFO. Other representatives were from FAO Laos, village clusters as well as farmers.  

Distribution of agriculture input will enable the affected farmers to restore their agricultural based livelihoods and ensure their food and nutrition security.