Promoting innovation in agriculture

At the "Agricultural and Rural Development Technology Forum" organized by the Ministry of Science and Technology in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on October 1st, Mr. Nguyen Mai Duong, Director of the Department of Technology Development and Innovation under the Ministry of Science and Technology, stated that over the past 10 years, Vietnamese agriculture has achieved tremendous successes, with science and technology contributing over 30% of the added value in agricultural production and 38% in the production of plant and animal breeds.

Thanks to the application of science and technology, the productivity of some livestock and crops in Vietnam is high compared to other countries in the region and around the world, such as: the highest rice yield in ASEAN countries (1.5 times higher than Thailand), coffee yield is the second highest in the world (after Brazil), pepper yield is the highest in the world, rubber yield is the second highest in the world (after India), and pangasius fish yield is also the highest in the world at 500 tons/ha...

In the current context, the agricultural sector faces difficulties and challenges stemming from the impact of rising input costs and food prices due to supply chain disruptions; the potential for outbreaks of diseases affecting humans, crops, and livestock; changes in demand and consumption patterns, especially in the domestic market; and increasingly evident and extreme climate change, unpredictable natural disasters, and persistent risks of drought and saltwater intrusion.

To turn challenges into opportunities, the agricultural sector has put forward numerous strategic directions, policies, and solutions to ensure that agriculture remains the "pillar" of the economy. In this context, the development of science, technology, and innovation is always considered a spearhead and a key to success, creating a foundation for agricultural development linked to the construction of new rural areas towards ecological agriculture, modern rural areas, and civilized farmers.

Sharing his views on the development direction of science and technology in the agricultural sector, Mr. Nguyen Huu Ninh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), said that the agricultural sector is shifting its mindset from "agricultural production" to "agricultural economics". Specifically, this is moving from the scope of agricultural production to the integration of multi-sectoral services and industries; from single-value agricultural products to integrated multi-value products; and from focusing on supporting producers to supporting all actors in the value chain.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development also aims to increase the knowledge and scientific and technological content, and innovation in agriculture; and to activate high-tech, circular, value-chain, smart, and shared agricultural models.

Currently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is focusing on implementing several key science, technology, and innovation programs such as: developing biotechnology; developing green agriculture, circular agriculture, and adapting to climate change; researching, developing, and applying digital technology and scientific and technological solutions to serve the construction of new rural areas.

In recent years, many research results, technical advancements, and new technologies have been transferred into production through agricultural extension activities. As a result, farmers have gained access to new knowledge and techniques, helping them improve agricultural productivity and product quality, increase income, and improve their living standards. However, Vietnam's technological level in post-harvest preservation and processing remains at a moderately advanced level compared to developed countries in the region and the world.

To promote scientific research and innovation in general, and in the field of post-harvest preservation and processing in particular, experts suggest that resources should be focused in stages to strengthen the research capacity of public science and technology organizations in the context of increasing autonomy and salary reform; creating an ecological environment for basic research, applied research, and application deployment. In addition, mechanisms and policies need to be reformed, innovated, and synchronized to encourage and motivate scientists...

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thuc-day-doi-moi-sang-tao-trong-nong-nghiep-post834238.html