Mekong Institute (MI) is organizing the Training Course on “Development of Farmer’s Organization”, at the MI’s Residential Training Center, Khon Kaen, Thailand, from December 20 to 24, 2016. The training course is sponsored by Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). 

The training course aims to enhance Lao government officials’ capacity in developing and strengthening farmer’s organizations using best practices and experiences in Thailand for better livelihood of farmers and improved agriculture sector in Lao PDR. Twenty-two participants from Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) from Vientiane Capital, Khammouane, and Savannakhet, are attending the program. 

MI’s Executive Director, Dr. Watcharas Leelawath, welcomed the participants and acknowledged development partners for their financial support. He emphasized on the importance of farmer groups and network since agriculture sector in the region are dominated by smallholder farmers, it is difficult for them to gain economy of scale. Working in groups will provide them better access to information and technology, which will increase their competitiveness and bargaining power. He expressed his hopes that participants, as a main change agent, would apply the knowledge and skills gained from this training course upon their return to Lao PDR to actually create an impact.