Ms. Monkeo Manivanh

For Ms. Monkeo Manivanh, farming is more than a way to earn a living. It is something she enjoys and a journey of learning and growth. She wanted to find a crop that could provide income while also being good for the environment. After researching different crops online, she discovered cocoa. She chose it because it is relatively easy to grow, matures quickly, produces fruits throughout the year, and can remain productive for many years.

In 2022, a company encouraged local farmers in Keo Oudom district of Vientiane province to grow cocoa through contract farming. They signed an agreement in which the company promised to purchase their cocoa harvest. Monkeo decided to take the opportunity and bought 600 cocoa seedlings from the company to start her own farm. However, it was not easy. Without formal training in agriculture, she had to learn through experience. She also faced challenges with caring for the trees, managing pests and diseases, and handling cocoa after harvest, including fermentation, drying, and storage. She also had to deal with the impacts of climate change. Later, Monkeo received news that the company had gone bankrupt, preventing her from selling the cocoa back to them. But she retained her cocoa trees and dedicated herself to learning their care.

In 2024, the Lao Cocoa Producer Cooperative came to help her improve her skills, especially in pruning, farm management, fermentation, and drying cocoa beans. Step by step, her knowledge and confidence grew. With patience and hard work, she expanded her farm from the original 600 seedlings to around 800 cocoa trees and established Lao cocoa farm.

Monkeo’s story shows that the most important step is simply having the courage to try something new. Her experience can inspire other farmers to explore new opportunities and believe in what they can achieve.