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61 trainers are now capable of planning, implementing and evaluating IPM Farmer Training activities in the 8 major irrigated lowland rice production provinces |
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6635 farmers have completed season-long Field Schools as of November 2000. |
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A start has been made with the integration of IPM and non-formal education practices in the curricula of the Agricultural colleges in Luang Phabang and Pakse |
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Following concerns regarding outbreaks of rice bugs and the problem of the Bakanae disease in rice, a National Workshop was conducted in June 2000 in order to increase the understanding and capabilities of IPM trainers to properly identify and assess damage, and to undertake action research to learn more about and better manage these problems |
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Pilot training activities and field studies for the development of IPM in cabbage and tomatoes have been completed |
Background:
Laos joined the FAO Rice IPM Programme in 1994, but it was only with the start of Vegetable IPM Program in 1996, that farmer training was initiated. During the next two years the Vegetable Program organised training activities in both vegetables and rice (including the first season-long Training-of-Trainers for rice IPM). In 1999, with funds from the Government of Norway, activities in Laos were expanded started under Phase IV of the Rice IPM Program.
The Lao Government has a policy to intensify rice production in the country in an effort to boost food security and it recognises the tremendous needs for farmers to receive appropriate education on how to grow new high-yielding varieties in intensified rice production systems. The FAO IPM program supports this policy.
Other
Developments: 7 trainers on the National level and 9 Provincial IPM Training Co-ordinators have increasingly become capable of facilitating the planning, implementation and evaluation of IPM Farmer Training activities and organising follow-up training for IPM trainers.
Various NGOs have been able to integrate IPM Farmer training into their regular development programs with assistance of the National IPM Program. These NGOs include CIDSE in School in IPM; the integration of OXFAM-Belgium's Rural Development Project; Food First in developing biocontrol options for vegetables; SEARICE in conservation of local varieties and strengthening of local farmer's varietal breeding activities, World Education in facilitating farmer training (with funding from DANIDA and UNICEF)
Contact
People:
Government:
Name: Khamphoui Luanglath
Title: IPM Technician, DOA
Tel.: (856-21) 412 350
Fax: (856-21) 412 349
Name: Bouavanh Phachomphonh
Title: IPM Technician
Org.: Department of Agriculture, Lao PDR
Tel.: (856-21) 812 142
Fax: (856-21) 812 142
FAO:
Name: Jan Willem Ketelaar
Title: Country IPM Officer
Org.: FAO IPM, Lao PDR
Tel.: (856-21) 812 142, 812 130
Fax: (856-21) 812 142
E-mail: jwkipm@attglobal.net
