Vientiane, Laos – Over the last 15 years the Lao-IRRI Rice Research and Training Project (LIRRTP) has revolutionised rice production in Laos PDR. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) began work in Laos to help build a rice research capacity at a national level. As a result of its contribution, it helped to establish the National Agricultural and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) which oversees all agricultural and forestry research in Laos and since then the Lao-IRRI Project has operated within that framework. In 2003 the National Rice Research Program (NRRP), an important component of NAFRI, was born and the Lao-IRRI Project has worked hand in hand with NRRP to contribute to significantly changing the lives of the entire nation; rice farmers and consumers alike. Roughly two-third of the area used for rice cultivation in Laos, is planted with modern rice varieties --- largely as a result of the Lao-IRRI Project.

A two day workshop held on the 14th and 15th of March 2006 marked the beginning of a Bridging Phase, where NRRP will be responsible for all aspects of rice research in Laos and IRRI’s role will be strictly technical.

The Lao-IRRI project began in 1990 with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Co-operation (SDC), at a time when rice farmers were struggling to feed a growing population. There was virtually no research in rice being carried out in Lao, until the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) arrived. Since then rice production has almost doubled. In 1990 Lao produced approximately 1.5 million tonnes of rice; in 2000 they produced 2.5 million tonnes and 2.6 million tonnes in 2005. In 2000 Laos PDR was proud to announce that with the help of the Lao-IRRI Project it had reached rice self sufficiency.

The Lao – IRRI Project has been conducting extensive research and activities in both the lowland and upland environments of Laos. Some of its major achievements in the lowlands include the release of improved modern varieties. With almost 70% of lowland farmers growing modern varieties today, the total rice area planted to modern varieties has increased from less than 5% in 1990 to more than 69% in 2004, almost tripling the cash income of farmers. Irrigation has also increased, thus intensifying rice production through double cropping. The lowlands have developed as the countries most productive and successful rice growing area, with the hope that continued research and action will allow it to grow and expand.

Research in the sloping upland areas of Laos has included Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) trials which had been hugely successful in identifying promising varieties that tolerate low soil fertility, drought and pests. Research has also focused on introducing intercropping and crop rotation systems with upland rice as part of the Integrated Upland Agricultural Research Project (IUARP) based in Luang Prabang. Pigeon pea and soybean grown with rice has been identified as significantly helping to increase rice yields. Research has also looked at introducing cash crops as another alternative income for upland farmers.

Some of the Lao-IRRI project’s most important work can be seen at the germplasm bank at the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) which is home to some 13,000 traditional rice accessions collected and preserved by NAFRI researchers. Laos is the second largest contributor to the International Rice Gene bank maintained at IRRI headquarters in the Philippines. This important germplasm bank at ARC has meant further research on varietal improvement and breeding as well as the development and release of 26 improved varieties which are suitable for the varying environmental conditions in Laos.

The Lao-IRRI project and NRRP have also been involved in a number of international agricultural projects such as the Consortium for Unfavourable Rice Environments (CURE) in the uplands, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Oudomsay and Sayabouli provinces, and the Challenge Program for Water and Food (CPWF).

The Lao-IRRI Project has made a substantial contribution to the establishment of a fully functional rice research system in Lao PDR. This includes the establishment of a network of 13 research stations across the country and the development of a team of well trained research scientists and managers. The Project has provided over 4600 training slots which include higher degree training, short courses, and on-the-job training.

Rice consumption accounts for the bulk of a Lao person’s diet and supplies almost 70% of their daily calorie intake. Access to rice is the single most important factor determining the welfare status of the Lao people. With a continued commitment to alleviating poverty and improving the livelihoods of all Lao people, rice research under the National Rice Research Program of Lao will continue to move ahead. The Lao-IRRI Project has given the Lao people the momentum to build on their already considerable success.

What Lao farmers have to say about the Lao-IRRI Project:

Mr Seng, Latahahae Village, Luang Prabang: “I learnt how to farm rice from my parents and grandparents so I follow their practices. The varieties that the Lao-IRRI Project gave us as part of the PVS trials are suitable for our infertile soil. Since the project came to our village we have had enough to eat and our family is better off. The children have enough to eat and they are happy”.

Mr Mee, Ou Palath Village, Pakse: “The variety’s the Lao-IRRI project has given me seem to be tolerant to fluctuating natural conditions. I have found no problems yet with heavy rain or sun. I am happy to be part of the project because now I have a lot of experience in new production techniques”.

Mr Champa, Savanakheet: “In the past I used traditional farming methods and sometimes we didn’t have enough to eat. Since learning new production techniques from the Lao-IRRI project I can produce sufficient rice for my family and excess to sell. I only used to get 3 tonnes per hectare but now I harvest almost 6 tonnes per hectare. My yields have almost doubled and my life is so much better”

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world’s leading rice research and training center. Based in the Philippines and with offices in 10 other Asian countries, it is an autonomous, non-profit institution focused on improving the well being of present and future generations of rice farmers and consumers, particularly those with low incomes, while preserving natural resources. IRRI is one of 15 centers funded through the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), an association of public and private donor agencies. Please visit the Web sites of the CGIAR (www.cgiar.org) or Future Harvest Foundation (www.futureharvest.org), a non-profit organization that builds awareness and supports food and environmental research.

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For information, please contact:

Mr. Thany Keovongvichith
E-mail: nyko47@yahoo.com

Ms. Jessica Yates Lao – IRRI Project
E-mail: jessyates@hotmail.com

Mr. Duncan Macintosh, IRRI, DAPO
Box 7777, Metro Manila, Philippine
Tel +63-2-580-5600; fax: +63-2-580-5699
E-mail d.macintosh@cgiar.org or Johnny Goloyugo at j.goloyugo@cgiar.org

Web sites: IRRI Home (www.irri.org), IRRI Library (http://ricelib.irri.cgiar.org), Rice Knowledge Bank (www.knowledgebank.irri.org)

Dr. Gary C. Jahn
IRRI Representative to Lao PDR and Manager of Lao-IRRI Rice Research and Training Project (LIRRTP);
Fax / Tel: (856-21) 770201; email: g.jahn@cgiar.org

Mr. Kouang Douangsila
Coordinator of Lao-IRRI Rice Research and Training Project (LIRRTP) and Director of National Rice Research Program (NRRP)
Fax: (856-21) 770082 or Tel: (856-21)770092
E-mail: kouang@laotel.com