Page 36 - Agricultural innovation

to access. Because they are finding it difficult to do administrative work with the government, such as
how the process works and who to meet in order to discuss and progress the work.

4.3.4. Conclusions
Agri House is a great gateway to serve as a model for using solar-powered technology and as an expansion
in the cricket industry in Cambodia, not only with new ways to raise crickets, but also their healthy
snack made from crickets or cricket powders. Furthermore, it helps with supporting marginalized
groups, displaced people and women through providing passive incomes from UNDP and World
Food Programme. They are seeking more support from the government in terms of broadening the
scope of the insect industry in Cambodia. Cricket powders and snacks can be served as an healthy
alternative source of protein for the future. It is also an excellent opportunity to learn about a lesser-
known agricultural field that is prominent in Cambodia.

4.4. Organic Agriculture Cooperative in Xiengkhuang, Laos
4.4.1. General information
Vegetable farming in Laos is characterized as small and scattered with no exception for vegetable
farmers in Paek district, Xiengkhuang province. They highly stick to the conventional way of production.
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are commonly used in their production. Using chemicals often in
production does not increase their household income significantly, but it is dangerous for consumers
and growers.
Things changed when the SIDA launched a project to help vegetable farmers in the Paek district
in 2009. The project attempted to transform local farmers’ production from a conventional technique
heavily reliant on the use of chemicals to organic production. The technical support of the SIDA project
includes organic vegetable production, marketing, and strengthening organization management. Since
then, the organic vegetable production group was voluntarily established and Bouachan Heuangvilay
was selected as the group leader. The objectives of the production group are to provide a variety of
clean vegetables to the domestic market with reasonable prices and increase the bargaining power
of farmers. In the early beginning of the establishment, there are only 25 farm households from five
villages joining the group. Due to its continuous growth, the status of the organic vegetable production
group was upgraded to an agricultural association and changed to organic agriculture cooperative in
Paek district in 2014 and 2018, respectively. Presently, there are a total of 165 farm households from 18
villages being members of the organic agriculture cooperative. Half of its household members are doing
commercialized production while the rest produces organic vegetables for their own consumption in
the household.
The organic agriculture cooperative in Paek district is widely recognized by local authorities
and the Lao farmer network. This cooperative is best known for strong organizational management,
technical and financial support among members, and transparent financial management. The success
of the organic agriculture cooperative in the Paek district is a meaningful lesson that other production
groups and cooperatives can replicate. This success story to some extent contributes to the efforts of the
government to strengthen cooperative management in Laos.

4.4.2. Model development

The organic agriculture cooperative in Paek district is best known for its strong organizational
management. Before establishing the production group, vegetable-growing farmers did not have a
certain market, their products could be sold at relatively low prices. The presence of the production
group and later the cooperative increases farmers’ bargaining power, they can sell their vegetables

Agricultural Innovation Review in CLV Countries 29