Luang Namtha targeting rubber for poverty reduction
Luang Namtha provincial authorities are allowing some poor families to grow rubber trees on their small allotments to discourage illegal plantings in forest conservation areas. An official from the provincial Planning and Investment Department, Mrs Phommy Somboun, told Vientiane Times on January 5 the policy was part of poverty reduction efforts. The province allows poor families to grow a few hectares of rubber trees on their land but they’re not permitted to plant the trees in forest conservation areas, she said. Currently, domestic and foreign companies are prohibited from purchasing concessions over large parcels of land for rubber plantations in Luang Namtha and other provinces following orders from the Prime Minister’s Office at the end of last year calling a halt to the investment.
