Vietnam is striving to become a transparent, responsible and sustainable producer and supplier of food and foodstuff under a draft strategy on agricultural and rural development for 2021-2030 with a vision towards 2050.

The strategy, which was sketched out by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), targets ecological and sustainable agriculture.

Vietnam’s commitments at the United Nations Food Systems Summit and the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) have been integrated into the strategy.

The agricultural sector is facing challenges presented by the rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, intensive and extensive international integration, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, natural disasters, diseases, climate change, and great changes in consumption markets.

Tran Cong Thang, head of the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development, said such challenges require the sector to reform itself and work to create opportunities for agriculture and rural areas.

Therefore, the strategy needs new views and orientations, and specific actions to reboot the sector and utilise new opportunities.

Agriculture should develop effectively and sustainably in terms of economy, society and environment, he said, suggesting the sector bring into full play resources in land, water, personnel, history, culture, science-technology and innovations.

Thang also stressed the need to shift the mindset from agricultural production to agricultural economy.

Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, head of the International Cooperation Department under MARD, suggested Vietnam make use of by-products to reduce pollution and emissions, and create values and jobs, thus forming modern, dynamic rural areas.

Cao Duc Phat, former head of the Party Central Committee’s Economic Commission, said the strategy is expected to integrate economic, social and environmental values.

Although there is ample room for the domestic agricultural sector to grow further, the resources are limit ed, he said, urging the sector to create added values by cutting production costs, increasing product values and utilising science-technology.

Households should coordinate with businesses to gradually engage in national and international value chains, Phat added.

MARD Minister Le Minh Hoan expressed his hope that with the measures, the domestic agriculture will see improved quality and win an ecology brand./.