Bolikhamxay: With fertile land and a favourable two-season climate, Laos offers strong potential for agricultural development, and Bolikhamxay province is emerging as a strategic destination for Vietnamese investment in farming and agribusiness. The province’s geographic proximity to Vietnam’s Cau Treo border gate and its location near Thailand’s Beungkan province and the Lao capital Vientiane provide significant advantages for cross-border trade.
According to Lao News Agency, Bolikhamxay’s connectivity is expected to improve further with the completion of the fifth Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge by the end of 2025. This development is anticipated to enhance logistics and agricultural exports to Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Bolikhamxay has established itself as a strong performer in agricultural production, with the recent dry season yielding 1,500 hectares of rice and surpassing expectations with yields exceeding 6 tonnes per hectare.
Cassava remains a key crop in the province, with over 9,000 hectares harvested and more than 600,000 tonnes produced, surpassing annual targets. The total area under cassava cultivation now exceeds 20,000 hectares. For the rainy season, Bolikhamxay plans to cultivate over 37,000 hectares, with 14,000 hectares already planted.
The province is also focusing on livestock farming to meet domestic demand and facilitate export opportunities. Currently, Bolikhamxay hosts 48 cattle and buffalo farms, 13 pig farms, and promotes household-based fish and frog farming to support sustainable livelihoods. To support high-value exports, the province is attracting investment in the production of bananas, mangoes, durian, jackfruit, oranges, and pomelos. Cassava starch processing plants in Khamkeut, Viengthong, and Pakkading districts are operating effectively to serve both local markets and exports.
Disaster preparedness is a core focus for Bolikhamxay, with authorities actively implementing flood, landslide, and pest control measures during the rainy season. The agriculture department monitors water levels at 29 hydrological stations on the Mekong River and supports irrigation infrastructure and the distribution of appropriate seed varieties.
According to Dalaphone Phonsavanhdee, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry, the province regularly dispatches technical staff to guide farmers in livestock care and crop production. The provincial rural development centre plays a crucial role in producing and distributing high-quality rice seeds and securing post-harvest sales to stabilize farmer incomes.
Bolikhamxay remains committed to integrating disaster prevention with agricultural development, providing a solid foundation for long-term resilience and increasing its appeal to foreign investors.
