Xieng Khuang province is asking the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to consider a copyright claim for its kainoi rice after receiving approval for the idea at the national level.
“We believe the crop will be certified by the WTO next year,” provincial Chamber of Commerce and Industry official Mr Khamphou Vannachak told Vientiane Times yesterday.
Kainoi rice is commonly grown in the province for sale in domestic and foreign markets.
The variety accounts for 30 percent of all rice grown locally and is of higher quality.
“Milled kainoi paddy returns around 70 percent of the yield into quality polished rice with a good taste, whereas other rice varieties generally return 60-62 percent,” said Mr Khamphou.
Each year, the province exports about 2,000 tonnes of kainoi to Vietnam and some is also exported to France. The rest is sold to other provinces and to Vientiane.
Chinese traders are currently engaged in talks with provincial officials about the possibility of buying the crop.
Kainoi rice can be harvested after about 120 days compared to about 100 days for other varieties but the yields are comparable.
Kainoi can only be grown in the wet season and at relatively high altitudes where the air is cooler, up to 900 metres, Mr Khamphou said.
Only Xieng Khuang and Huaphan provinces are able to grow this rice variety.
In Xieng Khuang, the crop is grown in Kham, Paek, Phoukoud, Khoun, Phaxay and Mork districts.
In Huaphan province, kainoi is grown only in Xam Neua district but is becoming increasingly popular among farmers because of the comparatively high income it brings in.
If WTO certifies a copyright for the rice strain, the province would benefit greatly because the value of the crop would increase and Laos would become known as the home of this particular variety.
However, the amount of rice that can be grown is limited. It is estimated that the maximum that can be cultivated in one year is 3,000-4,000 tonnnes, Mr Khamphou said.
