Hanoi is accelerating digital transformation in agriculture to enhance management efficiency and provide support to farmers and cooperatives across various areas. This move aims to increase the value of agricultural products and improve residents' incomes.

Chuc Son Clean Vegetable and Fruit Cooperative has installed a weather monitoring system for agricultural production. Photo: Chuc Son Cooperative

Addressing challenges

Digital transformation in the city's agricultural sector currently lacks precise standards and rules, leading to confusion in implementation, according to Vu Thi Huong, Director of the Hanoi Agricultural Extension Center (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development).

She said that the fragmented nature of agricultural production has hindered the use of technologies such as sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT) to optimize production processes.

She added that there are human resource and investment constraints to realize digital transformation in agriculture. "The successful transformation requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the agricultural value chain."

"We will continue to advise the city and the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development on timely and appropriate policies to facilitate digital transformation in agriculture," Huong said.

We will also promote awareness of the role and benefits of applying digital technology in the management, production and consumption of agricultural products in today's context. We will also showcase successful agricultural extension models through media and workshops."

Huong said the center is enhancing training and workshops on digital transformation for agricultural extension workers, cooperatives, and producers in the city, while also actively introducing exemplary models that apply high technology, especially digital technology, in the production, harvesting, processing, and consumption of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products.

Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development needs to improve the awareness and skills of local management officials regarding digital transformation in agriculture.

He added that the ministry should also expedite the completion of comprehensive data systems for the sector to guide localities in building and integrating common databases for effective management. 

"The ministry needs to guide how digital technologies can enhance the production and consumption value of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, in line with the current realities of the agricultural sector," Hoa said.

Automation and digital technology enhance production and sales

Agricultural production in Soc Son District, Hanoi. Photo: Trong Tung/The Hanoi Times

Many companies and cooperatives have been able to boost productivity, reduce labor costs and ensure food safety by integrating automation and digital technology into the production and processing of agricultural, forestry and fishery products. According to local sources, this has consequently increased their competitiveness in the market.

A typical example is the Nam Phuong Tien Organic Agricultural Cooperative in Chuong My District. Recognizing the benefits of digital transformation, Vu Thi Huyen, Director of the cooperative, said the cooperative is currently running two organic production models, including rice farming and the cultivation of Dien grapefruit. To improve the quality of its products, the cooperative has adopted 4.0 technology for management and monitoring.

She explained that surveillance cameras are installed in the fields, and all information about seed use, fertilization, and maintenance is meticulously recorded in an electronic log known as eGAP. The entire organic rice production process is documented in real time, allowing consumers to verify the information through visual records. "This allows the cooperative to control electronic traceability for each household and plot of land," she added.

Vu Thi Huong, Director of the Hanoi Agricultural Extension Center, said that the center organizes workshops, such as the Farmers' Bridge online forum, to help farmers access scientific knowledge, techniques and policy information relevant to production. These activities also connect farmers, farm owners and cooperatives with scientists and product management professionals.

She said the center has conducted training and professional courses on digital transformation for leaders and staff in the agricultural sector on digital transformation. It has provided training to transfer technology and digital tools to cooperative leaders, exemplary farm owners and farmers.

Hanoi has so far created accounts for 3,533 businesses and issued 14,050 traceability codes for agricultural, forestry, and fishery products that meet food safety criteria. These codes are accessible through the System for Tracing the Origin of Agricultural, Forestry, Aquatic and Food Products in Hanoi (check.hanoi.gov.vn).

The city has developed a variety of database management software applications, such as databases for fisheries resources and agricultural environmental management, as well as tools for managing agricultural land use, assessing soil quality, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.