Promoting the application of science

The application and transfer of science and technology (S&T) to production development has demonstrated its superior advantages and decisive role in improving crop and livestock productivity, output, and increasing product value.

Promoting the application of science and technology in production development. A safe vegetable production area adhering to VietGAP standards in Hoang Luu commune (Hoang Hoa district).

To improve the income of people engaged in agricultural production, Hoang Hoa district has issued policies and mechanisms to support the application of science and technology in production development and rural development. In particular, the district has proactively coordinated with relevant agencies to widely apply many scientific and technical advancements in seeds, fertilizers, and intensive farming methods in crop cultivation and livestock breeding. Through the application of science and technology, the district has established many production linkage areas that yield high economic efficiency, creating a new breakthrough in production development. Several products have become key commodities of the district, such as: safe vegetable production areas linked to processing and consumption; large-scale potato cultivation areas under a product linkage and guaranteed purchase model; high-tech cultivation areas for Kim Hoang Hau yellow melons and cantaloupes; and concentrated production areas for watermelons and honeydews. The district has also implemented land consolidation for large-scale agricultural production using high technology.

Thanks to the effective application of science and technology in production development, the total area of land consolidation in the district over the past 5 years has reached over 1,200 hectares. The area of high-tech and technologically advanced agricultural production has reached over 410 hectares, and the area of production according to VietGAP standards has reached nearly 200 hectares, of which crop cultivation accounts for over 150 hectares. The entire district has achieved 100% mechanization in rice production for land preparation, 40% for planting, and 99% for harvesting. Agricultural service cooperatives have also applied drone technology for spraying pesticides and fungicides in the area.

According to statistics, the province has approximately 170 hectares of agricultural production using greenhouse and net house technology; 765 hectares of organic farming; and nearly 80,000 hectares of agricultural products produced under a product buyback agreement. High-tech and organic agricultural production yields an average profit of 200 million VND/hectare/year for crop cultivation, 2.5 to 3 times higher than conventional production; 80% of the high-tech agricultural production area has product buyback agreements. Scientific research activities in agriculture and high-tech agriculture are increasingly receiving more in-depth investment. Specifically, in the field of crop cultivation, molecular biotechnology, genetic technology, and tissue culture technology have been transferred and applied in the research and selection of plant varieties; biotechnology has been successfully transferred in the production of edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms, cordyceps, and orchids. Implement measures to conserve and preserve the genetic resources of native plant species with scientific and economic value; develop and build many models applying high technology, organic farming, and safe vegetable production areas. Encourage the widespread application of hydroponic farming techniques, cultivation in greenhouses and net houses combined with high-intensity farming technology, natural and organic rice cultivation with appropriate, environmentally friendly technologies such as: the rice-fish model in Ha Trung district (200ha), the rice-mudworm model in Quang Xuong and Nong Cong districts (13ha), the organic pomelo model in Yen Dinh district, organic vegetables in Dong Son district...

Besides crop cultivation, in the livestock sector, localities have promoted the development of livestock farming according to VietGAP standards, applying automation, semi-automation, and mechanization systems in industrial livestock farming with high productivity, energy saving, sustainable structure, and advanced technology.

In the fisheries sector, research has been conducted on production techniques for several high-economic-value aquatic species; guidance and encouragement have been provided to production facilities to apply high technology in industrial shrimp farming; techniques for concentrated clam farming, organizing production according to VietGAP standards; and new technologies and techniques in harvesting and preserving seafood on fishing vessels to improve the quality and value of harvested products. Furthermore, in the field of processing and post-harvest management, the province has implemented and managed a traceability system for agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products. Production facilities have been guided to apply software for managing the safe food supply chain and integrate information into QR codes for traceability; and digital technology has been used to automate production, business, management, and monitoring processes for product origin and supply chains, ensuring speed, accuracy, and safety.

Despite the achievements, the rate of applying science and technology to agricultural production in localities remains low and limited, failing to meet the requirements of being a foundation and driving force for socio-economic development. The scale of applying science and technology to production is still small, and the number of science and technology products applied to production is modest, not commensurate with the requirements of agricultural development in a province with strengths in agricultural development, a large number of people engaged in agriculture and living in rural areas.

To realize the goal of developing agriculture in Thanh Hoa by 2030, the province aims to "improve productivity, quality, efficiency, competitiveness, and sustainable development associated with rural development; apply high-tech and smart agriculture to form large-scale, high-quality agricultural production areas; and develop value chains from production and processing to consumption...". In addition to the policies and guidelines of the central and provincial governments, farmers also need to change their mindset and proactively access advanced science and technology to transform production and cultivation methods, keeping pace with global trends to enhance the value of agricultural products and gradually develop the agricultural sector sustainably.

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