Potato cultivation in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) remains relatively limited. However, it is concentrated across varied agro-ecological zones, with production primarily occurring in both lowland and upland regions.
The main potato-growing areas are generally situated in upland and highland regions, where the climate and altitude are more favorable for potato farming. In the lowland Mekong Basin—including Vientiane Province, Savannakhet, and Bolikhamsai—potato farming benefits from access to irrigation infrastructure and proximity to local markets. Meanwhile, the upland and mountainous provinces such as Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Salavan, and Attapeu provide cooler climates and sloped terrains that are favorable for root crops, including potatoes. Additionally, pilot dry-season field trials, supported by World Bank–funded initiatives, have been implemented in selected regions, including Khammouane, Bolikhamsai, Sayaboury, and parts of Vientiane to assess the crop’s potential under improved management practices.
According to FAO data from 2023, total potato production in Laos stood at approximately 3,526.95 metric tons, highlighting its relatively minor status compared to sweet potatoes, which reached a significantly higher output of 116,400.52 metric tons.
The history of potato cultivation in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Laos) is quite limited, as potatoes have remained a relatively minor vegetable crop in the country. Their cultivation is not widespread and is generally restricted to small-scale production in select highland areas, where cooler temperatures are more suitable for tuber development. In contrast, sweet potatoes have a longer and more established presence in Laos. Introduced to Southeast Asia through trade routes in the late 1500s, sweet potatoes have become an important root crop, particularly well adapted to the country’s diverse agro-ecological zones. They play a significant role in upland and mountainous farming systems, especially in areas where slash-and-burn agriculture is practiced. Their resilience to poor soil conditions and minimal input requirements has made them a valuable food source for rural communities, highlighting their greater historical and agricultural significance compared to potatoes.
Agricultural Statistics for lao-peoples-democratic-republic
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