The impetus from digital transformation in agriculture.

Việt Nam•19/02/2024

(VLO) Considered an inevitable trend for development, the digital transformation landscape in agriculture in the province is making strong progress. More and more farmers are realizing that digital transformation in agriculture not only helps them access and update new knowledge, opening up new ways of thinking and doing things, but also promotes the transformation from "agricultural production" to "agricultural economy ," contributing to the development of a modern agricultural sector.

With just a mobile phone, farmers can easily access quick and accurate information, contributing to building the image of intelligent and adaptable farmers in the 4.0 era.

Farming without having to step foot in the fields.

In the context of digital transformation, many farmers realize the numerous benefits it brings. With current digital technology and a smartphone, farmers can not only farm and garden more efficiently, saving time and costs, but also more easily market their agricultural products.

Sharing his thoughts on this convenience, Mr. Truong Hoang Phuong (Nhon Phu commune, Mang Thit district) said: "Now gardening and farming are so easy. Before, spraying pesticides on 1.5 hectares of longan trees was exhausting."

Now I've automated my irrigation system, so I don't need to go to the garden to turn the water pump on or off or spray pesticides. I can just sit at home or in a cafe, turn on my phone, and press a button – it's easy and convenient.

"Not only that, when you want to sell, you can transact with traders right in the orchard, paying by bank transfer, QR code scanning, etc., without having to go to the bank, which is both quick and easy."

Many farmers believe that, in order to keep up with trends, they must know and apply digital technology to production and business; know how to select and apply technological processes. At the same time, they must know how to record and digitize information for traceability; and know how to use e-commerce platforms to introduce and promote their products.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Phuoc, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Tan Tien Cooperative (My Loc commune, Tam Binh district), said: "Since 2019, the cooperative has used its internal network for online meetings and this has been strongly promoted during the pandemic."

By 2022, the cooperative had joined the farmer network application, which not only expanded its knowledge but also saved costs and increased economic efficiency.

Farming becomes easier with digital transformation.

Specifically, the farmers' network is a digital environment and integrated system of tools that helps cooperatives, farmers, and businesses in the agricultural sector manage effectively and access timely scientific knowledge. In particular, it helps farmers be proactive in buying and selling, planning production, and monitoring financial plans.

In addition, market information will be updated most recently and quickly with accurate data, which can help farmers solve production problems.

"Farming is much easier now than it used to be. Farmers are also more advanced now, knowing how to embrace technology. Cooperatives are also equipped with sprayers for pesticides, fertilizers, and seeds, so they can manage their fields without even stepping foot in the soil."

"Farming at the age of 70 like me doesn't require going out to the fields to check on things often. It's no longer about 'selling your face to the earth and your back to the sky' like before. Now, I can just stay at home, 'swipe' and keep track of the planting season, update on pest and disease situations, or check the rice market using only my mobile phone," Mr. Phuoc said happily.

Towards a modern and sustainable agriculture.

Mr. Phan Thanh Long, Deputy Director of the Center for Agricultural Technical Services (Department of Agriculture and Rural Development), stated that digital transformation in agriculture plays a particularly important role in restructuring the agricultural sector, developing it towards modernization, and enhancing its value and sustainability.

The application of science and technology and digital transformation in production, in addition to bringing high efficiency, also helps produce agricultural products in a safe manner. This is being promoted by various sectors, localities, and people to create breakthroughs in quality and productivity, while increasing competitive advantage.

The impact of digital transformation has led to the formation of many models for applying high technology to production.

In recent times, to encourage farmers to change their mindset and strongly implement digital transformation, the agricultural sector has intensified communication efforts to promote farmers' proactive participation in connecting with consumers on e-commerce platforms; and developed software systems for managing growing areas, packaging facilities, and livestock farms.

In addition, local agricultural products should be brought onto digital platforms; pilot programs should be implemented and support provided to cooperatives and farmers in applying digital transformation in traceability, helping consumers easily look up product information and production processes. This will contribute to promoting brands and expanding markets for agricultural products.

However, according to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the digital transformation process in the agricultural sector still faces many difficulties and challenges.

In this context, farmers not only play a key role but are also the group that needs the most attention. When farmers utilize digital technology in their production activities, it increases efficiency, improves productivity, and enhances product quality, thereby gradually transforming Vietnamese agriculture from traditional to modern.

To promote the application of digital transformation in agriculture, Mr. Van Huu Hue, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said: In the coming time, the agricultural sector will disseminate policies and guidelines on research, application, transfer, and scaling up of high-tech applications in agricultural production; with a focus on promoting the transformation of agricultural production towards efficient agricultural economic development, in the direction of clean and high-quality agriculture, while strengthening training and improving digital skills for farmers.

It can be said that digital transformation is the "key" to sustainable development in the agricultural sector. Digital transformation has been changing the perceptions of farmers, cooperatives, and businesses in production and business. However, to make this process even more effective, a specific strategy and plan for digital transformation need to be developed.

In addition, the government needs to have supportive policies to encourage businesses to invest in agricultural technology.

Businesses need to develop technological solutions that meet the needs of farmers. Simultaneously, farmers need to proactively learn and apply new technologies to improve productivity, quality, and efficiency in production. This will contribute to the development of agriculture in a modern and sustainable direction.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan stated: Digital transformation is about mindset, not just data digitization. The ultimate goal is to utilize those numbers and data effectively to serve management. Digital transformation should be considered a mission and a passion. There is no power greater than the power of digital transformation. Digital transformation begins with the farmers. By integrating many farmers into a single sector, this integration will serve the leadership and management of the agricultural sector at the commune, district, and provincial levels, and will encompass the entire sector under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Text and photos: THAO LY

Source