In a significant move towards modernizing its agricultural sector, Vietnam is set to leverage high-tech innovations to enhance the value of its agricultural products, protect the environment, and meet international market standards. The recent Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, issued on December 22, 2024, and a National Assembly resolution on piloting specific mechanisms for scientific and technological activities, are poised to drive this transformation.
These policies underscore the importance of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in Vietnam’s agricultural future. By encouraging investment in smart agriculture, these resolutions aim to improve productivity, product quality, and compliance with international sustainability standards. The integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, automation, and sensors will optimize production processes, reduce costs, conserve resources, and enhance land-use efficiency.
The European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Vietnam. The EUDR mandates that imported agricultural products must not be linked to deforestation and must adhere to strict traceability requirements. This regulation pushes Vietnam to adopt sustainable agricultural models and leverage technology for monitoring and certifying product origins. Developing a transparent traceability data system and adopting blockchain technology will be crucial for managing supply chains and ensuring products meet international standards.
Leading Vietnamese companies like VinEco, TH True Milk, and HAGL Agrico have already begun pioneering the use of technology in agricultural production. However, many smallholder farmers and small enterprises face barriers in accessing advanced technology due to limitations in capital, human resources, and technical infrastructure. To address this, the government needs to introduce financial support policies, provide skills training, and expand international cooperation to accelerate digital transformation in agriculture.
Learning from EU programs such as Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme, which focus on big data and smart sensors for agricultural monitoring, can help Vietnam rapidly develop a smart and sustainable agriculture sector. Digital agricultural models will enhance the efficiency of high-tech agriculture by utilizing data platforms for analyzing farming conditions, weather forecasting, and supply chain optimization. The integration of AI, IoT, and cloud computing into farm management systems will improve production efficiency, mitigate climate change risks, and optimize resource utilization.
A comprehensive strategy and multilateral coordination are essential for Vietnam’s agricultural sector to develop sustainably and smartly. Close collaboration between the government, businesses, research institutes, and science and technology organizations will be key to implementing comprehensive solutions. These solutions include financial support, workforce training, technology transfer, and expanding export markets.
The government’s support for farmers and businesses in accessing digital technology through agricultural innovation centers and technology testing hubs will be crucial. Establishing advanced testing facilities for AI, agricultural robotics, and environmental sensors will facilitate the evaluation, verification, and effective deployment of technology. Investing in innovation centers in key agricultural production regions will bridge the gap between businesses, research institutes, and farmers, accelerating the transition from research to practical application.
Enhancing digital skills training for the agricultural workforce is also vital. Comprehensive training programs in agricultural technology, covering data management, automated machinery operation, and AI applications, will help workers improve their skills and adapt to modern production trends. Specialized courses for farmers should also be developed to guide them in utilizing advanced technologies in cultivation, preservation, and product distribution.
Vietnam must actively implement circular economy models and ecological agriculture to minimize environmental impact. Applying technology in water resource management, waste treatment, and renewable energy development for agricultural production will optimize resource use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and meet international sustainability standards, particularly the new requirements in the EUDR.
Fostering international cooperation in high-tech agriculture will allow Vietnam to leverage resources and expertise from developed countries. Participating in collaborative projects with Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Israel will enable Vietnam to access cutting-edge technology, expand markets, and enhance research capabilities. The government should establish mechanisms to support businesses in accessing international funding programs such as Horizon Europe and the Digital Europe Programme to finance innovation projects in smart agriculture.
Overall, developing smart and sustainable agriculture in Vietnam requires a coordinated effort from the government, businesses, research institutes, and the farming community. By fully harnessing the potential of technology and innovation, Vietnam’s agriculture sector can compete internationally, meet increasingly stringent standards, and move toward a greener, more efficient, and sustainable production system.
