China steps in to help control locust plague
The locust invasion in the north has reached plague proportions and despite a chemical spraying campaign their numbers are continuing to grow in Huaphan, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Phongsaly and Xieng Khuang provinces. In an attempt to stop the pests destroying all crops in their path, Lao and Chinese agriculture officials will continue to work together after receiving more spraying machines, insecticide and other equipment from China. The two countries on May 4 signed an agreement for the provision of the supplies, inked by Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s Agriculture Department, Mr Vilaysouk Khennavong, and a representative from the Chinese Embassy to Laos, Mr Wang Qihui.
