Ecological Agriculture: A Strategic Drive in the Era of Green Growth

Climate change and global green standards are posing an urgent need to strongly transform Vietnam’s agriculture towards an ecological direction. From the goal of ensuring food security, the agricultural sector today also has the responsibility of enhancing product value, protecting the environment and increasing national competitiveness, becoming an important pillar of green growth.

Shifting thinking from agricultural production to multi-value agricultural economy

Over the past 80 years, agriculture has always played a key role in the stability and development of the country. Vietnam has risen to the group of leading agricultural exporting countries in the world, making an important contribution to ensuring domestic and global food security. However, in the face of geopolitical fluctuations and increasingly high market standards, if it continues to grow in breadth, the old model will become an obstacle to the competitiveness and livelihoods of tens of millions of farming households.

Cultivated area in Minh Chau island commune ( Hanoi city). Photo: Quang Phong

The new orientation that the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment mentioned is to strongly shift from agricultural production to agricultural economic development — applying the value chain model, integrating economic-environmental-cultural multi-values, and taking market demand as the center. The focus is on developing green, organic, circular and high-tech agriculture; increasing investment in preservation and deep processing technology to reduce post-harvest losses and increase the value of Vietnamese agricultural products.

At the same time, it is necessary to form concentrated raw material areas, managed by growing area codes, promote mechanization, automation and traceability using digital technology. Policies must be strong enough to attract businesses to invest in agriculture and rural areas, prioritizing green projects that are both economically efficient and environmentally friendly.

In global trade, “green” standards have become mandatory. Requirements for traceability, sustainable production, no deforestation, low emissions, etc. will be barriers if agricultural products do not meet the standards of the EU, the United States, and Japan. Therefore, shifting to a circular economy and ecological agriculture is an inevitable trend to increase presence in high-end markets, associated with brand building and geographical indications.

Along with the production transformation is the construction of advanced new rural areas, model new rural areas, comprehensive development of infrastructure, culture and services in rural areas. The synchronous transportation, irrigation and logistics systems create conditions for farmers to access the market more conveniently, increase income and expand non-agricultural activities. The market is also shifting towards a greener and more transparent direction, e-commerce and online export help shorten the intermediary chain, promoting production according to international standards.

Application of high technology in production and business

In the context of green transformation becoming a global trend, science, technology and innovation continue to play a central role in the future of Vietnamese agriculture. The application of genetic technology to create crop varieties with better resistance to drought, pests and salinity; the deployment of sensor systems, drones, artificial intelligence and big data to monitor crops, optimize farming processes are opening up new directions of development, increasing production efficiency and reducing risks for farmers.

In addition, blockchain and traceability platforms are being accelerated to ensure transparency in the supply chain, control food safety and meet domestic and international market standards.

In order for science and technology to truly become a breakthrough driving force, it is necessary to prioritize investment in research, transfer and application of new technologies in agriculture associated with resource and environmental protection. Biotechnology, digital technology and artificial intelligence must be considered the main direction. Along with that is the completion of an open financial mechanism, promoting the commercialization of science and technology products, and quickly bringing research results into production.

At the same time, public science and technology research and transfer organizations need to improve their capacity and operational efficiency, and strongly cooperate with enterprises in the direction of socialized investment. Mechanisms for product contracting, ordering scientific tasks, and encouraging enterprises to participate in research, application and technology transfer are expected to create breakthroughs in plant and animal varieties, as well as advanced production processes.

Innovating agricultural and industrial extension work in the direction of linking with industry chains and digital transformation will help farmers access knowledge and technology faster. Developing a rural innovation ecosystem, supporting high-tech agricultural startups, promoting connections between businesses - scientists - farmers, institutes - schools - cooperatives will create an important foundation for the transition to a modern agricultural model. Encouraging people and businesses to apply high technology in production, business, and connecting supply and demand is considered an essential solution to improve the efficiency of the value chain and sustainable development of the agricultural sector.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep-sinh-thai-dong-luc-chien-luoc-trong-ky-nguyen-tang-truong-xanh-20251031115428473.htm