E-commerce - a "leverage" to help agricultural products go further

Recently, many farmers in Can Tho City have boldly put their agricultural products on e-commerce platforms to expand the market and increase the value of their products. The journey of "going on the platform" not only helps agricultural products overcome geographical barriers, but also opens up a direction for sustainable development in the digital age.

Keeping up with the digital age

Realizing the potential of e-commerce, in parallel with direct sales, Ms. Tran Thi Hong Nhien in Tan Hoa commune, Can Tho city, boldly put her coconut coffee products on e-commerce platforms. From the initial shy livestream sessions, Ms. Nhien gradually mastered the operations of interacting with customers such as replying to comments, pinning shopping carts, and displaying products. Thanks to her perseverance and progressive spirit, Ms. Nhien's coconut coffee products not only sell well locally, but also reach far and wide across the country.

Ms. Nhien shared: “ Digital technology helps us reach customers very quickly, but currently many housewives or farmers are not familiar with technology and are afraid to record videos to post on social networks, that is the first barrier. We have to change the sales method, instead of waiting for customers to come to us like traditional sales, we have to have a way for customers to proactively find the sales channel. However, whether doing business online or offline, product quality and seller reputation must be put first.”

Currently, in addition to the main coconut coffee product, Ms. Nhien also makes many other products such as honey ginger kumquat and soursop kumquat. All 3 products have achieved 3-star OCOP certification. According to Ms. Nhien, not only herself but also other OCOP entities want to bring the best quality products to customers to promote local products.

“A 500 gram package of coconut coffee costs 159,000 VND (depending on the time and policy of the e-commerce platform), 1kg of honey-ginger-kumquat is priced at 149,000 VND/product; 1kg of custard-apple kumquat is priced at 155,000 VND/product. Monthly revenue from both direct and online sales is more than 20 million VND,” said Ms. Nhien.

Ms. Tran Thi Hong Nhien's Hong Nhien coconut coffee product has achieved 3-star OCOP standard.

According to OCOP entities participating in sales on e-commerce platforms, converting sales from traditional to online methods helps expand the market, save costs on renting premises and transportation. Participating in e-commerce platforms also creates opportunities for individuals, cooperatives, and small businesses to reach customers in many localities, optimizing the delivery process.

Sustainable direction

Can Tho City Department of Industry and Trade said that recently, local businesses have actively expanded and exploited new markets, while improving and enhancing the quality of goods. In addition, the high output and export value of key products such as rice and seafood not only help businesses increase profits, but also help farmers earn higher incomes.

Mr. Ha Vu Son, Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Can Tho City, informed: "In 2025, Can Tho City strives to achieve an export turnover of 6 billion USD. Regarding export activities, the Department of Industry and Trade of Can Tho City is authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to set up a C/O office (certificate of origin of goods) to serve businesses in the Mekong Delta more conveniently in export activities."

Mr. Ha Vu Son added that the city's Department of Industry and Trade proactively coordinates with commercial centers and convenience stores in the area to support businesses in expanding agricultural product output and promoting more effective consumption. The Department also recommends that businesses strengthen close coordination to develop market development solutions and minimize risks. Manufacturing and export enterprises are encouraged to promote the application of digital transformation and information technology in their operations.

According to Ms. Lai Viet Anh, Deputy Director of the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade), the important link to promote e-commerce linkages between localities and key economic regions is to identify products with advantages in the field of logistics or in warehouse organization. From there, it is possible to optimize the efficiency of the supply chain in each regional context.

“We have connected businesses to major domestic and foreign e-commerce platforms, supporting businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, to bring their products directly from manufacturers through the logistics system to consumers,” Ms. Lai Viet Anh emphasized.

It can be seen that when technology is applied in the right direction, agricultural products in the Mekong Delta can reach out to domestic and international markets. However, along with opportunities, e-commerce also poses many challenges: farmers must change their production mindset, ensure quality standards, learn how to market and take care of customers online. With the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the initiative of businesses, e-commerce is opening up a sustainable direction, bringing agricultural products in the Mekong Delta into a journey of deep integration and long-term development.

Article and photos: MONG TOAN

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/thuong-mai-dien-tu-don-bay-giup-nong-san-vuon-xa-a192729.html