Southeast Asia Information Port (www.dnyxxg.com) – Agricultural experts from Laos and Japan recently co-hosted a seminar in Vientiane, focusing on the practical application of satellite technology in rice cultivation. The seminar explored how space-based technology can accurately assess Lao rice yields, providing support for agricultural development planning and food security. The seminar, jointly organized by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Lao Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, attracted agricultural officials and technicians from across Laos.
The application of satellite technology in rice cultivation can efficiently and accurately assess planting area, reduce survey costs, and rapidly collect basic agricultural data. Its speed, reliability, and timeliness have been proven in practice. Dr. Bongde Southavilay, Director of the Planning and Cooperation Department of the Lao Ministry of Agriculture, thanked the Japanese government agencies and experts for their generous support. He stated that the Planning and Cooperation Department will report the relevant results to higher authorities and seek guidance on technology promotion. He hopes that this technology can provide accurate and timely information for Lao agricultural and forestry development planning, especially optimizing the collection of agricultural statistical data. This will not only benefit Laos but also have a positive impact on ASEAN member states.
It is understood that Japan and Laos have already established a solid foundation for cooperation in this field. In 2023, the Japanese government recommended that Laos adopt the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) for arable land area assessment. The Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have continuously provided technical assistance and financial support to ASEAN member states' agricultural statistics projects and food security information systems. In the same year, the two sides jointly organized a meeting to complete the assessment of rice planting area in Vientiane and Champasak provinces using satellite imagery. They also conducted a 2023 rice planting area assessment based on satellite imagery and the INAHOR project, with key technical personnel from various parts of Laos participating.
This seminar, based on the satellite imagery assessment results of rice planting area in 2025, provided a platform for face-to-face exchange among participants. Both sides hope that satellite imagery technology can be further expanded to cover all aspects of rice planting assessment and incorporated into Laos' future agricultural planning and policy system, continuously contributing to agricultural modernization and food security.
