Women-led cooperatives in rural Hanoi are embracing digital transformation, using e-commerce, trade promotion and technology platforms to drive local economic growth, according to local insiders.

Tucked away from the bustling city center, the Yen Anh Agricultural Production and Processing Cooperative in Chau Son, Ba Vi District, stands out as a thriving women-led collective. Specializing in processed agricultural products, the cooperative employs seven members and provides jobs for more than 80 local workers, with monthly incomes around VND8 million ($323).

Women visiting stalls displaying OCOP products and safe food at a relevant event. Photo: Thinh An/The Hanoi Times

With the support of the Women's Union and local authorities, the cooperative has made significant strides in adopting advanced technology, machinery, and equipment, streamlining production from processing to packaging. 

The cooperative has set up five retail outlets in Hanoi, Thai Nguyen, Phu Tho, Nam Dinh, and Quang Ninh, and actively markets its products at fairs and exhibitions at various levels.

Cooperative members have turned to e-commerce sites like Shopee and audience engagement on Zalo, Facebook, and TikTok in an effort to reach a broader demographic.

Pham Thi Tu Hau, a founding member of the cooperative, explained that it serves as a vital link between farmers in Ba Vi District and the market, connecting raw agricultural products to consumers.

She added that through digital innovation and strategic brand development, the cooperative has quickly carved out a niche in the market, creating jobs and increasing incomes for its members.

Chuc Son Clean Vegetable and Fruit Cooperative in Chuong My District is breaking new ground in digital transformation. Dao Thi Thanh, Deputy General Director of the cooperative, highlighted the cooperative's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into its production processes, particularly through an intelligent weather station system linked to the innovative iMetos application.

She said the app sends real-time weather alerts straight to farmers' smartphones, providing vital information on rainfall, sunshine, and humidity. With this data at their fingertips, farmers can fine-tune their planting schedules and fertilization plans to ensure their crops thrive.

Electronic traceability technology is being adopted by the cooperative in the areas of production and sales. According to Thanh, this enables customers to track their food's origins down to the farms where it was cultivated by scanning QR codes on product packaging.

"This system not only provides transparency for consumers but also helps producers optimize their operations. By tracking sales data, the cooperative can make informed decisions about production planning and yield adjustments, increasing both the economic efficiency and the credibility of its members' farms," said Thanh.

Women have made and continue to make significant contributions to socio-economic development, especially in agriculture. Photo: VGP

Women are at the vanguard of numerous cutting-edge concepts that are revolutionizing agriculture through digital technology in Thanh Oai District, home to 38 thriving cooperatives. They are using drones to spray pesticides, applying advanced accounting software, mechanizing production processes, and adopting VietGap and organic standards to ensure high-quality produce.

At the forefront of sustainable agriculture, the Tien Duong Organic Agriculture Cooperative in Dong Anh District is thriving through its innovative 'five-party' production model, which brings together managers, scientists, producers, traders, and consumers. 

"This collaborative approach has not only led to significant success but also paved the way for their cutting-edge digital initiative, the 'Orgavina Organic Microbial Solution'," said Pham Thi Ly, director of the cooperative.

She added that the cooperative is also forging strong alliances with other co-operatives to improve its green and sustainable practices.

The Cooperative Director envisions each Cooperative as a unique piece of the puzzle, which together form a dynamic system that delivers the highest quality and safest products to the consumer.

Nguyen Dinh Hoa, Deputy Director of Hanoi's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized that these pioneering digital models in rural women's cooperatives, while still in their infancy, have already had a remarkable impact on local communities. 

He added that this transformation has led to increased incomes for producers and a thriving rural economy.

"The push for digital innovation in women's economic development is instrumental in shaping a sustainable, modern and thriving homeland," the Deputy Director stressed.

The women of Thanh Oai District are spearheading several innovative models that are using digital technology to transform farming. Photo: Laodongthudo Newspaper

To date, 31 cooperatives and 40 women-led cooperative groups have been established with the support of the Hanoi Women's Union. 

These dynamic initiatives have drawn in 350 members and created over 1,000 jobs for women, making a significant impact on the collective economy and and women's economic empowerment.

Looking ahead, the Hanoi Women's Union will strengthen its digital transformation efforts, using information technology to streamline operations and engage more women, said Pham Thi Thanh Huong, the union's Permanent Vice President.

"We see the integration of technology and digital transformation as essential to revitalize our leadership approach, improve the quality of our activities, and strengthen our connections to attract more members," she said.