August 29, 2011

Laotian capital's pig farms decrease

The number of pig farms in the Laotian capital, Vientiane, has decreased from 100 in 2009 to 80 farms in 2011, declining by 20%, according to Vientiane market-oriented Farming Group of Pigs' president, Neuang Sombounkhanh.

Neuang attributed the reduction in number of pig farms in Vientiane to tough competition in prices of pork along with the outbreak of blue ear disease and foot and mouth disease over the last few years.

As a result, pork supplies have failed to meet even half of the full consumption demand, Neuang explained.

Pork prices sharply decreased during the competition of the SEA Games, as sellers were competitively lowering prices to lure consumers and this subsequently resulted in pig farm closures as smaller farms are unable to compete.

Currently, on a daily basis, the group provides 150-170 pigs to the market, while consumption demand for pork is between 300 and 350.