Smart rural areas

According to Decision No. 319/QD-TTg dated March 8, 2022, of the Prime Minister , model new rural communes in the 2021-2025 period must have at least one "smart rural" model as stipulated by the provincial People's Committee. Therefore, the Central Office for Coordinating the New Rural Development Program has implemented the Project "Digital Transformation in New Rural Development, Towards Smart Rural Development in the 2021-2025 Period" in rural areas nationwide.

Binh Duong (Binh Son) commune was the first commune in the province to be recognized as achieving New Rural Area standards in 2014 and advanced New Rural Area standards in 2023. It is also a pioneering locality in promoting the application of digital technology in New Rural Area construction. From 2014 to the present, the Party Committee, government, and people of Binh Duong commune have not only focused on completing the criteria but also emphasized the application of information technology and digital transformation, contributing to the promotion of local economic and social development. This includes hundreds of large-scale production fields with revenues of 300-400 million VND/hectare/year using automatic and water-saving irrigation systems. The commune also has a chili production area that has been granted a planting area code by the Provincial Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection (Department of Agriculture and Environment). The product "Binh Duong - Binh Son Chili" has been granted a Certificate of Registration for a collective trademark by the Intellectual Property Office (Ministry of Science and Technology) and meets VietGAP standards... These advanced and efficient production models are the foundation for Binh Duong commune to implement and build a smart rural area, aiming towards a smart new rural area and a model new rural area.

Applying technology to production in a digital and smart direction is one of the tasks that the province's agricultural sector is focusing on.

"In the past period, localities have flexibly implemented many solutions, helping people strongly apply the Internet in management, production, product traceability, and sales. In the coming time, the provincial agricultural sector will focus on reviewing and applying appropriate digital technologies to state management processes, while gradually changing the mindset and production methods of economic sectors in agriculture towards digitalization and smart agriculture. From there, create momentum for restructuring the agricultural sector towards increasing added value and sustainable development, aiming towards circular agriculture and organic agriculture."

Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment
HO TRONG PHUONG

According to Do Tien Quang, Chairman of the People's Committee of Binh Duong Commune, while the New Rural Development program has given Binh Duong Commune a new look in terms of infrastructure, digital transformation has brought about a strong shift in production thinking, economic development, and the quality of life for its people. Thanks to "digitalization," people not only have easier access to information and the opportunity to learn about effective production models, but also to introduce, promote, and trade goods, stimulating consumption and increasing product value. Also thanks to digital transformation, the commune has "4.0 routes" with cashless payment methods, enabling people to transact quickly, conveniently, safely, and economically.

To date, over 90% of people of working age in Binh Duong commune use smartphones for electronic transactions. Nearly 100% of residents in the commune have installed and are proficient in using many useful applications, such as VNeID, cashless payment, and e-commerce platforms. Mr. Le Tan Binh, from My Hue 1 village, Binh Duong commune, said, "Initially, I, like other customers, was confused about installing and conducting electronic transactions, especially payments. However, thanks to the regular guidance and support from members of the village's community digital technology team, I and other customers have gradually become familiar with payment methods such as bank transfers, card swiping, or QR codes. Not only do I buy and sell goods, but now I also use my smartphone to pay my electricity and water bills without having to go to public payment points as before."

According to regulations, a commune assessed and recognized as a model new rural commune must complete three groups of criteria: average per capita income, having at least one "smart village," and selecting a model sector. To achieve the goal of a model new rural commune, in 2024, Binh Duong commune was the only locality in the province to register for the smart village program. Although the province has not yet issued specific criteria for smart villages, the Party committee, government, and people of Binh Duong commune understand that this is a model applying modern, intelligent, and automated technologies to production and daily life. Based on the foundation of advanced new rural commune criteria and the application of technology and digital transformation, the political system and people of Binh Duong commune have unanimously responded, initially achieving positive results.

Mr. Huynh Van Nhung, residing in Dong Yen 3 village, Binh Duong commune, shared that previously, the use of Zalo and smartphones in the village was limited. Whenever announcements about events or meetings were made, village officials had to use loudspeakers or paper invitations. Now, with the Zalo application, disseminating information and mobilizing people to implement the policies and regulations of the Party and State is easily and quickly conveyed anytime, anywhere. Many people also use social media platforms to introduce and sell agricultural products very effectively.

Binh Duong commune (Binh Son district) applies digital technology in promoting historical relics.

The people of Binh Duong commune are not only familiar with electronic payments and using essential services via smartphones, but also learn about and scan codes to access and look up administrative procedures from the National Public Service Portal. Chairman of the Binh Duong Commune People's Committee, Do Tien Quang, emphasized that the application of information technology and digital transformation contributes to building new rural areas in a more in-depth, effective, and sustainable manner. However, the biggest obstacle currently is the inadequate telecommunications infrastructure, lacking public Wi-Fi access points at village cultural centers. Furthermore, the ability of some people to access technology and digital tools remains limited. Therefore, in addition to requesting the competent authorities to invest in telecommunications infrastructure, the commune continues to maintain and promote the role of the Community Digital Technology Team by guiding and supporting people in learning about digital transformation and applying the Internet. This helps people access and utilize the benefits of digital technology to develop production, business, and e-commerce transactions. This solution also increases transparency in administrative operations, making it easier for the commune to monitor and control the process of handling documents, and contributing to connecting the government with the people.

Text and photos: THANH PHONG

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Source: https://baoquangngai.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep/202505/nong-thon-thong-minh-f781a6d/