Law on Agriculture No. 01-98/NA.

This Act establishes principles for the development, management and preservation of agricultural activities (defined in Part II) in Laos. "Agriculture" is intended in a broad sense and thus the Act includes provisions relating to cultivation of crops, animal husbandry, fisheries, irrigation, management and conservation of agricultural land, use of fertilizers, protection of the environment, food supply, etc. Rights and duties of persons undertaking agricultural activities are outlined in article 10. Land, divided into categories "land for cultivation' and "land for raising animals" shall be allocated by the State in conformity with "targets" (arts. 11 and 12). Article 16 to 23 regulate irrigation and the building of waterworks for this purpose. Irrigation shall be carried out conform the Water and Water Resources Law. Articles 22 and 23 provide for the protection of rights over land of neighbouring estates for purposes of irrigation. The Act defines seeds in article 24, animal species in article 25 and regulates the use of fertilizers in articles 27 to 29. Other provisions concern use of animal feed (art. 30), use of insecticides (art. 32), and use of animal drugs or vaccines (arts. 33 to 35). Various provisions concern the promotion of agricultural production by way of investments, promotion of the use of agricultural machinery, training of farmers, storage and marketing of agricultural products, etc. Articles 65 to 68 concern protection of the environment against harmful agricultural operations, including fishing (sect. 68). Article 69 specifies members of the Agricultural Activities Administration Agency and subsequent articles define their duties. Inspection shall be carried out by the Agricultural Activities Inspection Agency (art. 75). Offences and penalties are prescribed in the final provisions this Act.