During the Partnering for Green Growth (P4G) Summit in Hanoi last week, a ministerial session zeroed in on the journey to transform the food system for a sustainable era. The gathering brought together representatives from international organisations, state management authorities, and the business community to discuss the pivotal role of digital technology in developing agriculture.
The session underscored that the green revolution is about more than just innovation; it’s about empowering people, protecting the planet, and ensuring inclusivity. Precision agriculture and digital platforms are enabling farmers to produce more with fewer resources, optimising yields, minimising wastewater, and making the best use of limited resources. Donal Brown, associate vice-president at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, highlighted that these technologies are crucial for a sustainable future.
Biotechnology, for instance, is supporting the growth of crops that are more resilient to climate changes, ensuring food security. In an era of unpredictable weather patterns, smart water and soil management systems are reducing waste and preserving ecosystems, paving the way for sustainable farming practices. Climate-smart farming methods that boost resilience while cutting emissions are also gaining traction. Improved wet and dry techniques for rice farming are just one example of how these methods are being implemented.
In Vietnam, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is gradually implementing the transformation of agriculture towards green, smart, and sustainable practices. The government has issued several key strategies and national plans to realise these targets, covering the rest of this decade. Private sector players like Tan Long Group, Vinamilk, VinEco, TH Group, and HAGL Agrico are also pioneering the adoption of high technology in agricultural production.
Digital technologies are helping these companies improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and optimise resource utilisation. For example, Tan Long Group is exploring AI and machine learning applications to analyse data from various sources such as cameras and sensors to assess animal health, stress, and welfare. This can help in early disease detection and optimising feeding and environmental conditions. The group also uses technologies like GPS and soil sensors to optimise farming practices, ensuring efficient resource allocation and maximising crop yields. Digital technology is being used to monitor production processes, implement quality control measures, and ensure the high quality of finished products.
Vietnam is also receiving support from other countries and international organisations in its journey towards sustainable and low-emission agriculture. Ireland, for instance, has been working with Vietnam on monitoring and evaluation frameworks for food system transformation. Last year, Ireland collaborated with the former Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to roll out a framework that uses AI to help farmers achieve higher yields by preserving soil and saving water. Another Irish venture focuses on transforming waste from the coffee industry into sustainable micro proteins.
However, challenges remain. Most smallholder farmers and small enterprises face difficulties in accessing advanced technology due to constraints in capital and technical infrastructure. Do Duc Duy, Minister of Agriculture and Environment, acknowledged that innovation, with a focus on research and the application of modern science and technology, is core to achieving gains in the agricultural sector. He also emphasised that this journey requires collective action among nations, international organisations, businesses, scientists, and farmers.
Meanwhile, Hanoi is enhancing its urban agriculture with high-tech and ecological farming models, focusing on concentrated production areas and planning for sustainable growth. The city is also navigating challenges posed by US and EU tariff barriers, which create significant hurdles for Vietnamese agricultural products. However, these challenges also present opportunities for businesses that are ready to adapt promptly.
The agricultural industry needs to focus on improving productivity and quality, reducing production costs to avoid affecting exports to the United States, while also diversifying markets. The goal is to achieve an export turnover of $65 billion by 2025. This transformation is not just about Vietnam; it’s a global journey towards a sustainable food system, and every stakeholder has a role to play.