Vietnam has encouraged the development of hi-tech agriculture with a view to making breakthroughs in farming productivity and improving the competitive edge of agricultural products in both the domestic and foreign markets, according to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Pham Cong Tac.

Hi-tech farming is seen as key to fighting climate change, restructuring
the sector, and improving local livelihoods. (Photo: Ha Noi Moi)

Vietnam is known for its remarkable results in agriculture, which have played a significant part in the country’s economy. The sector, however, is facing formidable challenges, and hi-tech farming is seen as key to fighting climate change, restructuring the sector, and improving local livelihoods.

Mechanisation, automation, bio-technology, and computerisation will help farmers lower production costs and improve productivity and quality, while protecting the environment, Tac said, adding that with advanced technologies, farmers can alleviate the impact of climate on production and meet market demand.

A wide range of corporations and localities have turned to hi-tech farming and clean agriculture to enhance exports and boost the position of Vietnamese agricultural products in the international arena.

The country is now home to 47 companies and nine areas certified for hi-tech agriculture. Along with three hi-tech farming zones in Phu Yen, Bac Lieu, and Hau Giang provinces, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is considering the establishment of three others, in Thai Nguyen, Quang Ninh, and Lam Dong.

Thanks to modern technologies, companies such as TH, Dabaco, Nafoods, Masan, and Vingroup have increased their agricultural production value and promoted sustainable development.

According to insiders, in a bid to build a smart agriculture sector that helps the country ensure food security and respond to climate change while improving product quality and competitiveness, due attention should be paid to setting up uniform support mechanisms in technology research and transfer.

Priority should be given to the application of high technologies in cultivation, processing, preservation, and environmental protection.

They also emphasised international cooperation, saying this is important in bringing state-of-the-art world technologies to Vietnam.