Comprehensive solutions are needed to fill the "gap".

Restructuring the agricultural extension system is an essential requirement in the current period. However, for this roadmap to achieve its goals, it requires synchronized solutions and decisive implementation, as well as real "impetus" from mindset to policy mechanisms.

Following the restructuring of the two-tiered local government apparatus, the discontinuation of district-level agricultural extension centers has left a "gap" in the connection between the province and the commune. To address this issue, agricultural extension work is focusing on strengthening grassroots officials and training a generation of young farmers who will master agricultural technology and economic thinking.

According to the Dak Lak New Rural Development Coordination Office, a comprehensive set of solutions is needed to improve the effectiveness of agricultural extension work. These include: continuing to promote in-depth training on safe production techniques, business management, and brand development for OCOP (One Commune One Product) entities; strengthening the application of digital transformation in agricultural extension activities, supporting entities in promoting their products on e-commerce platforms and social networks; building a transparent traceability system to enhance consumer confidence; and strengthening coordination between the agricultural extension, industry and trade, and science and technology sectors to support trademark and geographical indication protection and expand consumer markets.

This reality necessitates the training and development of agricultural extension workers not only in technical skills but also in market economics, value chain management, and especially knowledge of international standards (EUDR, GlobalGAP), traceability, and digital transformation.

Mr. Hoang Van Hong, Deputy Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, emphasized: "Currently, people need to organize production efficiently, therefore agricultural extension work should not only provide knowledge and techniques but also be a bridge for farmers to access technology, businesses, and markets."

A model of tiger shrimp farming in Xuan Tho commune. Photo: Ngoc Han

"A clear mechanism is needed to strengthen the agricultural extension team at the commune level. Ideally, we should build a force of specialized staff, well-trained in digital technology and management skills," suggested Mr. [Name] , Chairman of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association.

According to the National Agricultural Extension Center, in the two-tiered local government model, regional (inter-commune) agricultural extension stations are a very important force of the agricultural sector at the grassroots level. Therefore, guidance and instructions are needed soon to exploit and utilize this force of officials to serve agricultural and rural development, especially in the context of the outbreak and complex developments of the epidemic.

For community-based agricultural extension groups, this is the force that directly guides farmers in reorganizing production, linking farmers to form cooperatives and partnerships, and connecting them with businesses to guarantee the purchase of their products. Therefore, it is necessary to quickly consolidate and streamline them according to the new administrative model to maintain their operations in serving agricultural development and building new rural areas in the locality.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Ha, former Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in the new phase, Dak Lak's agricultural extension system must innovate its methods and target groups, shifting from supporting small-scale farmers to focusing on farms, cooperatives, and businesses, creating sustainable production chains. At the same time, it should guide people to diversify products through deep processing; promote production according to procedures and standards, not only to meet market demands but also to protect soil health and the environment.

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202509/can-nhung-giai-phap-dong-bo-lap-khoang-trong-03216e1/