Speaking with reporters on July 23,Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos Bounkhuang Khambounheuangsaid that wet season rice transplantation is only 40 percent complete due tothe lack of rain, adding that exact figures concerning damaged crops had notbeen reported.
The Laos’ Ministry of Agriculture andForestry has told provincial and district authorities to send officials to helpfarmers immediately, Bounkhuang said.
Agriculture officials might encouragefarmers to grow other crops that result in higher economic returns. Those whohave borrowed money from banks need to report to authorities regarding theamount of damaged crops so the government can help negotiate with the banks, headded.
The Lao Meteorology and HydrologyDepartment issued a forecast suggesting that there will be more rainfall at theend of July and early August. The rainfall will result in a gradual rise in thelevel of the Mekong River and its main tributaries.-VNA