In a remarkable fusion of aeronautical engineering and agricultural innovation, Dr. Tran Phi Vu is spearheading a revolution in Vietnam’s farming sector through drone technology. After spending eight years in Australia, Vu is now channeling his expertise to promote sustainable agriculture development in his home country. His efforts align perfectly with the Politburo’s Resolution No.57-NQ/TW, which aims to foster breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Vu, who serves as the President of the Vietnam Australia Innovation Network, a lecturer at the University of New South Wales, and the Chief Scientist at JWC Lab Inc., has identified advanced agriculture as a sector where Australia excels. He envisions a future where Vietnamese farmers can benefit from similar advancements, particularly through the adoption of drone technology. These drones, Vu argues, will not only safeguard farmers’ health but also significantly reduce the time spent on farming tasks.
In 2018, Vu and his research and development team at JWC Lab Inc. began collaborating with experts from Australia, France, and the US to develop agricultural drones capable of diagnosing crop diseases and applying treatments. The resulting drones, standing at 0.54 meters tall with six propellers, are equipped to collect high-resolution images. These images are used to create the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), a measure of vegetation greenness and density. The drones operate with remarkable efficiency, covering two hectares in just 10 minutes, a task that would take 28 times longer manually. Moreover, they save 15% of fertiliser and up to 60-70% of water, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution.
The AI-powered drones can quickly identify diseases and suggest appropriate spraying methods and timely treatments. Healthy plants, with higher chlorophyll content, appear greener, while diseased plants show reduced chlorophyll levels, allowing for early detection and isolation. Vu and his team have also developed a Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS™) platform, recognizing that not all farmers may be able to operate the drones themselves. Through a simple mobile app, farmers can schedule spraying services and pay only for what they use.
Vu and Dr. Nguyen Duy Luan, CEO of JWC Lab and a Vietnamese American scientist and businessman, are working closely with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Together, they are implementing various science and technology projects, establishing incubators focused on key technology areas, and proposing policies to attract experts and startups. However, Vu acknowledges that there are still barriers to overcome, particularly in policies and legal frameworks related to science and technology. He calls for specific investment regulations for areas like blockchain, AI, and advanced technologies such as drones, which are currently lacking.
Vu’s vision extends to creating favorable conditions for scientists to apply their advancements in Vietnam. He advocates for the establishment of an agency to oversee these technologies and the adoption of both short- and long-term visions to drive development. As Vietnam continues to embrace technological innovation, Vu’s work serves as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a more sustainable and efficient agricultural future.
