Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, 15 May 2026 – The Lao People's Democratic Republic today observed its first National Cultivation Day, marking a new chapter for the country's agriculture sector under the recently adopted Law on Cultivation. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), through the Department of Agriculture (DOA), with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The Government of Lao PDR has designated 15 May as National Cultivation Day, to be observed annually through commemorative and celebratory activities. The occasion serves as a platform to provide policy guidance, encouragement, and promotion of cultivation activities among farmers and entrepreneurs, with the objective of strengthening and revitalising agricultural production across the country.

The inaugural celebration follows the country's milestone adoption of the Law on Cultivation, a major reform that updates and replaces the former legal framework guiding the sector. The Law was endorsed on 25 June 2025 and promulgated on 6 August 2025. It provides a strengthened foundation to govern cultivation activities, improve the protection and use of agricultural land, and advance a more modern, green, clean, and sustainable agro-industry. 

National Cultivation Day is a moment to recognize the heritage of Lao agriculture and the essential role that farmers play in ensuring food security, nutrition, and social stability across the country. As Lao PDR continues its development journey, cultivation is also evolving. Farmers are increasingly navigating the impacts of climate change, market pressures, and environmental degradation, while striving to maintain productivity and protect natural resources. Supporting sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive agricultural practices is therefore critical, not only for today's livelihoods, but for future generations.