Rice seed producers reaping the benefit of mechanisation in central Laos

Seed production is an important component contributing to the lowland rice production and food security in Lao PDR and its neighbouring countries. Most farmers use their own seed, and after a few generations the seed quality often becomes poor. Farmers then purchase high quality seed from seed producer specialists if they are available and affordable.

Weed can be removed with rotary weeder from row crops established with transplanter. Hatkhamhien village, Khammouan. Source: Shu Fukai, Project Leader

Counter-attacking human and pig disease in Asia

This article was written by Georgina Smith and was first published on the CIAT blogsite.

Lao PDR’s northern-most province lies among cloud-covered peaks between China to the west and Vietnam to the east. The mountains here, along the eastern edge of Phongsaly province, are cut by a narrow winding pass – a trade route with Vietnam becoming more popular amid rising demand for pig meat.

Lao PDR's northern province of Phongsaly. Source: Georina Smith/CIAT

That's MAD!

A few weeks ago, ACIAR’s Canberra office played host to a number of partners from Indonesia and Burma (Myanmar) to participate and provide feedback in the Mobile Acquired Data (MAD) small research activity (SRA) we are engaged in.

Source: agricultures network

ACIAR's thoughts are with Nepal

After the devastating earthquake and after-shocks that hit Nepal on 25 April, ACIAR’s thoughts are with the Nepalese people.

Dr John Dixon from ACIAR recently spoke to ABC Rural about the anticipated impacts the earthquake will have on agricultural communities which employ up to 70% of the country’s population and accounts for 38% of GDP.

Hillside farms in Nepal are expected to have sustained extensive damage from the earthquake. Source: Conor Ashleigh & ACIAR