LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOGRATIC REPUBLIC (10 February)
The paddy output from the rice crop in 2003 has been estimated at 2.5 million tonnes, an all-time record high that has resulted from expanded rice area and the use of high-yielding varieties.
Planting of 2004 second-season irrigated rice is under way and is expected to be completed by the end of February. This crop accounts for some 15 percent of annual rice production.