Coffee in Xaysomboun Province
North of Vientiane and bordering Xieng Khouang, Xaysomboun is another potential region for cultivating Arabica coffee in Laos.
The province’s cool highlands with elevations over 1200m are ideal for growing Catimor Arabica.
Its tropical climate, with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April, supports coffee farming.
Rain aids plant growth, while the dry season is ideal for harvest and processing. The rugged terrain and high altitudes are well-suited for high-altitude coffee, known for distinctive flavours.
Coffee cultivation presents a significant opportunity for the local Hmong and Khmu small-scale farmers. Many depend on subsistence farming, so, the introduction of coffee offers a potential and sustainable increase in income.
By integrating coffee cultivation with traditional farming techniques, these farmers can utilise their extensive knowledge of the land to grow crops sustainably, marking a new era in agricultural advancement for Xaysomboun.
The region also a has breathtaking landscapes of peaks and valleys, including Phou Bia, the highest peak in Laos at 2,820 m, and Phou Mork, known for its panoramic "sea of clouds" views from Long Cheng Village.
Case Study – Xaysomboun Coffee Agriculture Development Ltd.
Mr Syvanh, an experienced agriculturalist, is the manager and owner of the Xaysomboun Coffee Agriculture Development Ltd. He received support from a French project in 2019 to start the company.
They primarily use washed processing, producing 1.5 tons of specialty Arabica coffee annually over the past four years.
In the 2021/2022 season, the company produced two tons of Catimor coffee for local markets and export to Korea. This was grown on 20 hectares managed by six of their 22 farming households in Hom district. They aim to double production to cater to increasing local demand and favorable prices.
The region is home to the Muong ethnic community which farm a total of 40 hectares. In addition to coffee, they grow bananas and Aquilaria crassna, a critically endangered tree used in perfume and incense. Temperatures average a cool 20°C, supporting agroforestry, and protecting endangered butterflies and vital water resources.