Vientiane provincial authorities have officially announced that no more permits will be given to investors planning to grow aroma bananas in the province.

The new ruling will take effect in September 2017.

So far, aroma banana trees have been grown by Chinese investors on more than 400 ha of land in Hin Heub, Vang Vieng and Feuang districts in Vientiane Province.

Director of the Vientiane Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Department Phouvong Bounzou said that investors who own banana farms are required to accelerate harvesting their produce and stop growing bananas by September, or replace banana farms with other commercial trees.

The relevant authorities will use strict measures in accordance with Lao law to punish those who are found guilty of violating the new rules.

The growing of aroma banana trees in Hin Heub, Vang Vieng and Feuang districts has been widespread since 2013.

Some 319 ha out of 412 ha have been grown on local people’s land under concessional agreements between investors and local people, while the rest are under concessional agreements between investors and the government.

Agricultural production plays an important role in food security in the province as it is a main source of income for local people.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by KPL

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