When farmers step onto the "digital market"

From Facebook and TikTok to the "Vietnamese Farmers" app, digital transformation is gradually opening a new "door" to help farmers in Nam Phu commune change their production mindset, expand their consumer markets, and access the digital economy in the new era.

Farmers are being trained to "go public".

In recent years, along with the process of building new rural areas and digital transformation in the locality, the Farmers' Association of Nam Phu commune has identified supporting its members in applying information technology and e-commerce to the production and consumption of agricultural products as an important task.

This not only helps people change traditional business habits, but it is also a solution to enhance the value of agricultural products, reduce dependence on traders, and gradually form a production mindset linked to the modern market.

The Farmers' Association of Nam Phu commune continuously organizes digital transformation training sessions for farmers. Photo: Van Binh

Based on this reality, the Nam Phu Commune Farmers' Association organized numerous training sessions on the application of multi-platform e-commerce on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and guided farmers and association members in installing the "Vietnamese Farmers" app. These training sessions attracted a large number of farmers and business owners. The discussions were lively and open, with many farmers directly learning sales skills on digital platforms for the first time.

Through training sessions, members were guided on how to create seller accounts, post product introductions, take photos of agricultural products using smartphones, shoot short videos , livestream sales, and build engaging content on social media. Many members also directly practiced uploading products, discussed common difficulties encountered in online sales, and gradually became familiar with the digital business environment.

Contrary to previous perceptions of dry, theoretical training sessions, the training at Nam Phu was engaging and practical. Many participants confidently practiced right in the hall, directly recording videos, posting product samples on Facebook and TikTok, and discussing common situations encountered when selling online.

For many older farmers, using smartphones to sell their products used to be quite unfamiliar. However, witnessing the increasing number of products being sold through social media, many are beginning to change their minds and proactively learn how to do it.

Ms. Pham Thi Hai, a farmer member from Dai Lan village, shared: “Previously, my family mainly sold vegetables to traders, so prices were often unstable. Since my children and grandchildren guided me in posting products on Facebook, we've had more orders. Participating in today's training course, I was also taught how to shoot videos and livestream, which I find very useful. At first, I was hesitant, but now I have to learn to keep up with the times.”

Thanks to digital transformation, farmers can confidently cultivate clean produce with sustainable markets. Photo: Bao Thoa

Not only older generations, but many young farming households in the area are also beginning to see the potential of e-commerce for local agricultural products.

Mr. Pham Van Ta, owner of a clean vegetable farming model in Dai Lan village, said: “Nowadays, customers are not only interested in delicious products but also want to see the production process. Therefore, filming and posting live images from the garden helps customers trust us more. I find TikTok and Facebook not only for entertainment but also very effective advertising channels if you know how to use them.”

According to many members, the biggest advantage of online selling is that it allows products to reach more customers without relying entirely on traditional markets or intermediaries.

Digital transformation is changing farmers' mindsets.

In reality, digital transformation in agriculture goes beyond just online sales; it also contributes to changing farmers' production mindsets. From producing according to habit, many households have begun to pay more attention to brand building, traceability, product image, and market demand.

Over the past period, the Farmers' Association of Nam Phu commune has actively implemented many activities to support its members in developing their economy in conjunction with digital transformation, such as coordinating the organization of technology skills training courses, guiding the promotion of OCOP products, supporting the connection of agricultural product consumption, and disseminating information on the application of information technology in agricultural production...

Thanks to effective skills training, over 500 farming households have initially participated in selling their products through social media and e-commerce platforms. Photo: Van Binh

To date, approximately 80% of the farmers' association members in the commune use smartphones for production and business purposes; more than 500 households have initially participated in selling goods through social media and e-commerce platforms. Some local agricultural products have been more widely promoted through Facebook, TikTok, and online community groups.

According to Bui Van Binh, Vice Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee and Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Nam Phu commune: “Digital transformation is opening up many new opportunities for farmers. While previously farmers mainly sold their goods using traditional methods, many members are now beginning to apply technology to promote and sell their products. This is a positive sign showing that the people's production mindset is gradually changing.”

According to Mr. Binh, the application of e-commerce not only helps expand the market for agricultural products but also contributes to increasing product value, building brands, and enhancing competitiveness in the context of a rapidly developing digital economy.

“In the coming time, the Farmers' Association of the commune will continue to promote propaganda and support members in applying digital technology to production and product consumption; coordinate the organization of more training courses on online sales skills, livestreaming, and product promotion on digital platforms. At the same time, the Association will strengthen guidance for members to effectively utilize the Vietnam Farmers application, gradually forming a digital farmer model in line with the spirit of Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on promoting national digital transformation,” Mr. Bui Van Binh emphasized.

The journey to the "digital market" may still be fraught with difficulties and uncertainties, especially for older farmers. However, thanks to practical training courses, the support of the Farmers' Association, and the proactive learning spirit of its members, digital transformation is gradually becoming a new driving force helping farmers in Nam Phu adapt to modern development trends, expand opportunities for agricultural product consumption, and increase income in the new era.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/khi-nong-dan-buoc-len-cho-so-975884.html