Visit to Organic Vegetable Market, Vientiane, Laos

Agriculture is the most important sector of the Lao economy, accounting for more than 45% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and almost 80% of employment in the country. Lao agriculture traditionally focuses on rice production, livestock rearing and production of export crops such as tea and coffee. Over the last few years, farmers have diversified their production into corn (maize), vegetables, beans and other crops.

Organic farming is gaining momentum in Laos and there are now many farmers' groups producing organic fruits and vegetables. With the support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), markets selling organic vegetables and fruits are available in a number of major towns in the country. The markets are set up to help educate and inform consumers about organic production systems in Laos, and on the benefits consuming organic products. The farms producing the vegetables for these markets are certificated as organic by the MAF.

The organic vegetable market in Vientiane, Laos is open from 6 am to 12 noon on Saturdays and Wednesdays. It is located in the car park lot of That Luang (Golden Stupa). There are about 20 stalls selling freshly harvested organic vegetables and fruits. These vegetables and fruits are planted by various organic farmers' groups in the Vientiane Capital Province.

When I visited the market this morning, there was quite a crowd there buying the vegetables.