From the Field: Lao farmers serve up fish with rice
Farmers in Laos are rediscovering ancient practices by cultivating rice and fish in the same field after more modern farming methods are failing to provide them with a liveable income.
Rice-fish has a millennia old history in the landlocked South East Asian country, but the practice has fallen out or practice largely due to the intensification of rice production and the accompanying pesticide use.
However, a combination of population growth, deforestation and damage to the natural environment has led to a decline in food production and a growing inability of communities to sustain themselves.
But now, farmers are working with local authorities and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to diversify the range of aquatic species grown in rice fields, creating in the process a more productive and biologically diverse environment which is helping to reduce poverty.
Ahead of World Food Day, marked annually on 16 October, read more here about how farmers are serving up fish with rice.
© UN News (2021) — All Rights Reserved. Original source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- Escalating Violence and Influx of Returnees in DRC Fuel Regional Instability Friday, March 27, 2026
- The “Extremely Dangerous and Unpredictable” situation in Middle East and Beyond Friday, March 27, 2026
- Caribbean Leaders and Civil Society Prepare for Global Push on Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Friday, March 27, 2026
- War in Iran, Middle East Threatens Global Agrifood Systems Friday, March 27, 2026
- PORTUGAL: ‘The Far Right’s Electoral Legitimacy Can Eventually Become Governmental Power’ Friday, March 27, 2026
- Syria: UN Commission documents grave violations in July 2025 escalation in Sweida Friday, March 27, 2026
- Myanmar: WFP reports fragile recovery one year after deadly earthquake Friday, March 27, 2026
- Middle East war: Attacks on vital healthcare, evacuation strike fears Friday, March 27, 2026
- MIDDLE EAST LIVE 27 March: Humanitarian crisis deepens across the region Friday, March 27, 2026
- Torture and Physical Abuse of Children in Gaza Declared War Crimes Thursday, March 26, 2026
Learn more about the related issues: