Khongxedon: A consultation meeting was held on March 31 at the Khongxedon District Office to discuss the promotion and revitalization of Napong grilled chicken, a popular local dish of Saravan Province. The meeting, chaired by District Governor Samay Phothisane and President of Tad Yeuang Waterfall Development Co., Sonethida Ounaphon, brought together key stakeholders, including poultry farmers, chicken buyers, and grilled chicken vendors from Napong Village.
According to Lao News Agency, representatives from the district agriculture and forestry office, the Agricultural Promotion Bank, the provincial Department of Information, Culture and Tourism, the district Industry and Commerce Office, and village authorities participated in the discussions. The goal was to improve the quality of Napong grilled chicken and prepare for the upcoming 107th Anniversary of Napong Grilled Chicken Festival, set to take place on April 6, 2025.
In recent years, Napong grilled chicken has gained popularity, with daily sales rising from 1,000 grilled chickens to 3,000-3,500 grilled chickens, thanks to promotional efforts by the local government and Tad Yeuang Waterfall Development Company. To further enhance the industry, the meeting agreed on several key measures.
One of the measures includes establishing a Village Fund, where a service fee of 4,000 LAK per chicken processed by local slaughterhouses will be collected, with 2,000 LAK allocated to the village fund. Additionally, the Agriculture and Forestry Office will develop a plan for vaccine banks and equipment to support poultry farmers.
A committee will be formed to evaluate and standardize the recipe for Napong grilled chicken, ensuring consistent quality. Efforts will also be made to register Napong grilled chicken as a Geographical Indication (GI) product, highlighting its unique preparation method. Furthermore, new model farmers will be selected to promote modern, high-quality chicken-raising techniques.
This initiative aims to elevate Napong grilled chicken into a premium local product while preserving its traditional roots. The upcoming festival is expected to attract more visitors, boosting the local economy and cultural heritage. Preparations are now underway to ensure the 107th anniversary celebration showcases the best of Napong’s iconic grilled chicken.