Lao Ngam exports over 6,000 tonnes of coffee

Lao Ngam exports over 6,000 tonnes of coffee

By Vinnaly

(KPL) In the first three months of this fiscal year, farmers of Lao Ngam district Saravane province were able to sell more than 6,000 tonnes of coffee beans, 30% of which exported overseas and amounting to 40 million kip.

The export volume of coffee was disclosed at a meeting held in Lao Ngam district on Feb 19 by the Lao Ngam coffee purchasing group.

Present at the meeting were Saravane Deputy Governor Mr. Siheng Houmsombath and Deputy Chief of Lao Ngam district Mr. Phonphanom Si-onkeo, President of the Lao Coffee Association Mr. Sisouk Sisombath and relevant officials.

"Lao Ngam is one of eight districts in Saravane province and has a population of over 68,000 people. The district has more than 97,000 ha of farmland of which over 17,000 ha is coffee plantation area with a total yielding capacity of 4 tonnes per hectare,"said Deputy Head of the Lao Ngam Industry and Commerce Office Mr. Bounkam Sihavong.

A coffee purchasing group with 35 members has been found in the district. Thirteen coffee bean mills are operational in the district. Presently, a kilo of Robusta coffee beans is sold locally at 14,600 kip. Meanwhile its export price is 15,040 kip.