In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a quiet revolution is taking root. Urban planners and agricultural experts gathered recently for a workshop titled “Urban Agriculture—The Future of Farming within the City, Innovating for Sustainable Development,” held by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. The event highlighted the city’s unique position to pioneer urban agriculture, blending the demands of rapid urbanization with the need for sustainable food production.
The city’s rapid growth, both urban and industrial, has led to shrinking land availability, prompting experts to emphasize the need for specific policies. These policies aim to encourage farmers and cooperatives to transition crops and adopt new technologies, ensuring that agriculture remains a viable and sustainable sector within the city’s borders.
Nhat Thong Agriculture Co., Ltd., located just 10 kilometers from central Ho Chi Minh City, exemplifies this blend of urban living and agricultural innovation. The company’s 12-hectare organic vegetable farm sits amidst a densely populated residential area. Director Pham Huu Thoi inspects the farm’s soil moisture and nutrient sensor systems, a testament to the integration of technology in urban agriculture. Thoi believes that every urban area needs a clean agricultural buffer zone, despite the high land costs. The proximity to the city’s largest consumer market allows for immediate sales post-harvest, maintaining product quality and reducing waste.
Tuan Ngoc Agricultural Cooperative in Long Truong Ward has also embraced high-tech agriculture. Founded in 2017 with a small area and seven members, the cooperative has expanded to operate three farms in Ho Chi Minh City, totaling 9,000 square meters. Their hydroponic vegetables are grown in controlled greenhouse environments, with automated systems managing humidity, temperature, and light levels. The cooperative has invested significantly in digital transformation, including electronic logbooks, greenhouse monitoring systems, and order management platforms.
Similarly, the Nong Phat cantaloupe farm in Dong Thanh Commune uses high-tech methods to cultivate melons in greenhouses. Each plant is grown in an individual pot, with walkways covered to prevent weeds and protect the plants. Farm owner Trang Quoc Dung notes that these methods ensure safe products that meet the demands of domestic supermarkets and export markets, generating substantial profits.
Dr. To Thi Thuy Trang of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies highlights the inevitability of modern, sustainable urban agriculture in the city. With limited agricultural land, the city’s advantages include access to skilled labor, investment capital, and a large consumer market demanding clean, high-quality products.
However, establishing high-tech agricultural farms requires substantial investment. Lam Ngoc Tuan, Director of Tuan Ngoc Agricultural Cooperative, points out that a high-tech greenhouse costs around VND1 billion, while support loans are only about VND100 million. He hopes for mechanisms to support land access for high-tech agriculture within the city, rather than forcing cooperatives to seek production land in other provinces.
Architect Ngo Anh Vu of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Urban Planning and Construction emphasizes the need for mechanisms and incentive policies for urban agriculture. These policies should focus on circular economy principles, optimizing land use, and minimizing environmental pollution.
Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment, Vo Thanh Giau, notes the city’s transformation towards modern, high-tech, and multi-value production. With over 2,300 organizations and individuals certified under VietGAP and seven organic agriculture facilities, the city is laying the groundwork for expanding safe, sustainable production models.
Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Bui Minh Thanh, underscores the importance of building agriculture on a foundation of science, technology, and innovation. The city plans to establish dynamic agricultural zones in the Southeastern region, refine mechanisms and policies, and integrate agricultural development with urban spatial reorganization.
As Ho Chi Minh City continues to grow, the integration of urban agriculture offers a promising path towards sustainable development. By leveraging technology and innovative policies, the city can ensure that agriculture remains a vital part of its urban landscape, providing fresh, high-quality products to its residents while minimizing environmental impact.