LAOS SEEKS INDIA’S CO-OPERATION
IN THE FIELD OF AGRICULTURE
Laos
has sought India’s co-operation in the areas of rice research,
poultry and fruit crops such as banana and mango. At a meeting
between the Prime Minister of Laos Mr. Mounnhang Vorachit and
the Agriculture Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh here yesterday evening,
Laos also sought India’s assistance in the fields of post-harvest
technology, food processing technology, oilseeds crops extraction
and vaccine production, etc. The Laos Prime Minister conveyed
his appreciation for Indian pumps which he described as very efficient,
easy to use and cost effective. He said that with the help of
these pump sets, Laos has been able to increase production of
rice. Complimenting India for the progress made in the field of
agriculture, Mr. Vorachit noted that in spite of having a population
of about 1.2 billion, India has been able to build a buffer stock
of 60 million tonnes for meeting local demands in the event of
a fall in production and also for export purposes. The Laos Prime
Minister was accompanied by their Ministers of Agriculture, Forestry
and Finance as well as other officials.
During the meeting,
Shri Rajnath Singh referred to the world-class research facilities
available in India in the areas of agricultural research and education.
He offered to extend these facilities to Laos which is a very
friendly country. He also offered to send agricultural machinery
including spare parts and the necessary manpower to help Laos
become self-sufficient in food production.
The Ministry of Agriculture
has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government
of Laos and a work-plan has been prepared. The Department of Agriculture
and Cooperation and the Deptt. of Agricultural Research and Education,
through the Indo-Laos Joint Commission, have agreed to provide
training to scientists and technical staff of Laos and also undertake
exchange visits of scientists and experts. Exchange of germ-plasm
in the field of rice, cotton, maize, tropical fruits and vegetables
will also take place for enhancing production and productivity.
