VIENTIANE, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has called for agriculture and forestry departments to boost domestic productivity for export and minimize imports of products that Laos produces, local media reported Wednesday.

       Sonexay made the remarks during a Tuesday meeting attended by Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Phet Phomphiphak and provincial officials, said Laophattana Daily News.

       He urged agricultural production groups to be well organized so as to achieve high crop yields, adding advanced farming methods should be adopted to increase the yields, especially in the dry season.

       Sonexay added that farmers should receive education in science of crop cultivation and farming mechanization.

       The Lao government is keen to minimize importing products that can be produced domestically, especially agricultural produce, to help boost domestic production while also tackling inflation.

       Meanwhile, the government is encouraging farmers and producers to supply more goods to the domestic market and to produce more for export to bring in much-needed foreign currency and help reduce high foreign exchange rates.