Former Minister Pham Khoi Nguyen: 'I believe the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper will be stronger, sharper, and closer to the people'

Former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pham Khoi Nguyen expressed his expectations for the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper in its new journey on the occasion of its 80th anniversary (December 4, 1945 - December 4, 2025).

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of Tac Dat Newspaper - the production promotion agency of the Ministry of Agriculture in 1945, the predecessor of today's Agriculture and Environment Newspaper, former Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pham Khoi Nguyen expressed his expectations for the newspaper in its new journey.

Former Minister Pham Khoi Nguyen shared with the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper about the role, mission and expectations for the newspaper in the new journey. Photo: Nguyen Thuy.

The proudest thing about the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper (formerly known as Tac Dat Newspaper) is that it was born from the heart of the revolution. In 1945, President Ho Chi Minh directly named the Tac Dat Newspaper and wrote the article “To Vietnamese Farmers” in the first issue. This is a great honor, not only for the Agriculture and Environment sector but also for the entire Vietnamese revolutionary press.

Through many separations, mergers, and newspaper name changes, the consistent spirit has never changed: the press must be for farmers, for environmental resources, and for the sustainable development of the country.

Before the merger, each newspaper had its own strengths. Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper had publishing experience, a wide network and a large circulation. Natural Resources and Environment Newspaper had scientific depth, high professional quality, and was of special interest to leaders and experts because it covered many important issues such as land, minerals and the environment. The merger between Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and Natural Resources and Environment Newspaper into Agriculture and Environment Newspaper was an opportunity to combine two strengths: depth of expertise and breadth of readers.

Minister Pham Khoi Nguyen chaired an online exchange between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and people and businesses. Photo: Hoang Minh.

In the new period, I believe the new newspaper will be stronger, sharper and closer to the people. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is a multi-sectoral, multi-field ministry, so the press must play the role of a "hotline" between policy and life. The newspaper must both accurately convey the policies and guidelines of the Party, the State and the Ministry; and must also truthfully reflect the thoughts, aspirations and concerns of the people and businesses. Balancing these two tasks is a measure of the mettle of the Editorial Board in the new context.

In the current context of multi-dimensional information on all platforms, traditional press needs to maintain harmony between the voice of policy and the voice of the people. As society develops, information becomes more multi-dimensional, people perceive all issues more democratically and thoroughly. Therefore, the press must not only report news but also explain and "translate" policies, helping people understand correctly and fully. In addition, the industry press must improve its analytical capacity and scientific nature, especially in areas related to land, environment, minerals, and climate change - areas that are always complex and sensitive.

Minister Pham Khoi Nguyen talks with journalists in an online exchange in 2008. Photo: Hoang Minh.

On the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper, I hope that the new newspaper will continue to adhere to the spirit of "being close to the people, being near the people, understanding the people". The press is only strong when it accurately reflects the breath of life and conveys the voice of the people to leaders at all levels.

I also hope that the Editorial Board will continue to innovate and invest in electronic newspapers and multimedia journalism models. In the past, I directed the development of a very systematic electronic newspaper project, but unfortunately I could not implement it because I was reaching retirement age. But I believe that today's generation will do much better.

Finally, I wish the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper at the age of 80 to be “younger, stronger, more modern”, keeping Uncle Ho's words: “The guidance of the Newspaper is as precious as an inch of gold”.

Tac Dat Newspaper was established by the Government on December 4, 1945, and was one of the first newspapers established right after the country gained independence.

On December 7, 1945, Tac Dat Newspaper published its first issue and was honored to receive an introduction and assignment from President Ho Chi Minh.

On March 1, 2025, Agriculture and Environment Newspaper was established on the basis of merging Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and Natural Resources and Environment Newspaper. And the founding date of Tac Dat Newspaper (December 4, 1945) was chosen as the Traditional Day of Agriculture and Environment Newspaper.

The ceremony to honor and express gratitude on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Agriculture and Environment Newspaper will take place at 5:30 p.m. on December 4, 2025 at the Hanoi Museum (Pham Hung Street, Hanoi).

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/nguyen-bo-truong-pham-khoi-nguyen-toi-tin-bao-nong-nghiep-va-moi-truong-manh-hon-sac-ben-hon-va-gan-dan-hon-d785730.html