Farmers mastering technology

Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative, specialising in cultivating and processing the Seng Cu rice variety, is among the pioneers in applying high-tech solutions in production in Lao Cai Province. From an initial area of 20.5 hectares, the cooperative now operates across hundreds of hectares, generating more than 9 billion VND (344,300 USD) in 2024.

Specifically for Seng Cu rice, the cooperative has partnered with 63 farming households to cultivate 387 hectares using scientific techniques, from seed selection and preservation to hiring engineers to oversee soil preparation, water management, and fertilisation in accordance with precise dosages and seasonal timing. As a result, both the yield and quality of Seng Cu rice have significantly improved. Additionally, the cooperative has invested 4.5 billion VND (172,100 USD) in harvesting machinery, storage, processing, and packaging equipment.

Pham Thi Hao, Director of Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative, stated that after successfully establishing the Seng Cu rice brand, the cooperative has consistently maintained quality control, guiding farmers in the raw material zones to apply safe production practices and use pesticides properly. Product samples are analysed periodically and only released to market upon meeting safety standards.

Choosing to develop local specialties and apply high-tech production methods is also the strategy of Hong Phat Organic Agricultural Cooperative, based in Kim Binh Commune, Tuyen Quang Province.

According to Dang Thi Sinh, Director of the cooperative, the application of high technology in production has helped increase the number of products sold from 43,000 in 2021 to over 100,000. From its flagship tea bags to other agricultural products such as dried bananas, corn, and black beans, many of the cooperative’s offerings are now exported to Thailand and the UK.

To ensure stable production, the cooperative continuously seeks efficient production and business models that create steady employment for both members and local residents. A notable initiative is the regional linkage for green-core black bean cultivation with 55 H’Mong households in Khuon Lan Village, Tri Phu Commune, covering 59 hectares per year and generating an average income of 180 million VND/ha/year, 10 to 15 million VND/ha/year higher than other crops.

Pham Thi Hong, a member of the Hong Phat Organic Agricultural Cooperative, shared that thanks to participating in the cooperative’s initiatives, applying staggered production techniques and selecting suitable new varieties, each member earns an annual income of 100–150 million VND.

To meet rising consumer demands for quality and packaging, the cooperative’s board of directors and management have continuously explored and implemented scientific and technological advances. They’ve invested in machinery and equipment to gradually transition from manual labour to automated systems, allowing farmers to produce with greater peace of mind and enjoy stable incomes.

Creating breakthroughs in rural economies

According to the Department of Economic Cooperation and Rural Development under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, many localities across the country have actively promoted high-tech agricultural cooperative models, viewing them as levers for rural economic development, especially in mountainous, remote, and isolated areas.

The application of high technology in production lays the foundation for cooperatives to consolidate land, establish linkages, and develop concentrated production zones, large-scale fields, and major raw material regions. This enables production aligned with quality standards and yields goods in quantities large enough to meet market demands, thereby overcoming the limitations of fragmented, smallholder farming models.

However, for long-term success, economic experts emphasise the need for continued investment in research and the development of high-tech agriculture, as well as infrastructure improvements and market expansion. In this way, agriculture can become a solid economic pillar for the sustainable development of rural Viet Nam.

The active involvement of local authorities and joint efforts of enterprises are opening new opportunities for agricultural cooperatives to play a vital role in driving rural economic development.

According to Pham Thi Hao, Director of Hao Anh Agricultural Cooperative: for the cooperative's products to reach domestic and international markets, the application of technology remains a top priority in development strategy. This includes using customer management software, sales management tools, electronic logs, smartphone-based production management systems, surveillance camera systems, and QR code traceability tags linked to brand identification systems. As of now, the cooperative has helped lift 63 associated households out of poverty and has begun providing social insurance to cooperative workers since January 1, 2024.

Pioneering in the use of high technology to reduce labour, cut production costs, and achieve high economic efficiency is the fruitful outcome being reaped by the Hong Phat Organic Agricultural Cooperative in Tuyen Quang. Thanks to the right direction, the economic conditions of cooperative members and participating households have improved significantly.

Dang Thi Sinh, Director of the cooperative, affirmed that in order to ensure economic stability for its members, the cooperative focuses on deep-processing technologies to create a distinct competitive advantage for its products. This is also part of its long-term development plan.

Exploring local strengths through the support of science and technology is proving to be an effective and innovative path being adopted by many localities nationwide, especially in mountainous, remote, and isolated areas. This advantage contributes to narrowing the economic gap between regions and gradually achieving the national goals of sustainable poverty reduction and the completion of the new-style rural development programme.