Sci-tech application key to developing smart agriculture

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam needs to optimise the opportunities and achievements from the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) to develop smart agriculture, heard a workshop in Hanoi on August 21.

The event was jointly held by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Education and Training as part of the Vietnam Innovation Network 2018.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said agriculture is one of the most important economic sectors of Vietnam, making up to over 15 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017, up nearly 3 percent against 2016, with many high value export items.

The agricultural sector is currently encountering a number of challenges and difficulties such as climate change and small-scale production, he added.

The workshop helped connect experts, research agencies, education facilities, and enterprises to conduct joint research projects and promote the application of science and technology in developing smart agriculture, he noted.

Nguyen Hoang from the US’s University of California (Davis) said Vietnam is capable of leading the world’s agricultural race thanks to its favourable natural conditions and plethora of encouraging policies for the development of high-tech smart agriculture.

A key principle is making use of the internet to set up a network of young experts and intellectuals in the field, he suggested.

The workshop introduced smart agricultural development models from around the world which could be applied in Vietnam, such as building a clean and safe habitat, establishing agriculture startup firms, using robotic technology to grow clean vegetables, and building high-tech aquaculture.

Participants also suggested building an infrastructure database for the sector and reviewing policies and strategies to support agricultural development in Vietnam. –VNA