Advances in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are creating new momentum for the agriculture sector. From reshaping production thinking and fostering a new generation of “digital farmers” to improving transparency in value chains, Vietnam is steadily moving toward greener, smarter, and more sustainable agriculture.
Advances in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation are creating new momentum for the agriculture sector. From reshaping production thinking and fostering a new generation of “digital farmers” to improving transparency in value chains, Vietnam is steadily moving toward greener, smarter, and more sustainable agriculture.Drones are used to manage banana plantation for export in Gia Lai Province. Photo: Thanh Hoa/VNP
Issued by the Politburo on December 22, 2024,
Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on the development of
science, technology, innovation, and national digital
transformation has created a major driving force for
modernizing Vietnam’s agriculture.
After decades of development, Vietnam has
transformed from a food-deficient country into one of
the world’s leading exporters of agro-forestry and fishery
products. Agriculture remains a pillar of the national
economy as the country ranks second in Southeast Asia
and 15th globally in agricultural export.
A quality seedling farm operated by the Red Pine Company in Gia Lai Province. Photo: Thanh Hoa/VNP
Behind these achievements, however, lies the
challenge of increasing added value. Output value per
farmer remains relatively low, at under 1,000 US dollars.
Resolution No. 57 is seen as a key solution to these
issues, promoting a shift from a research-driven to marketdriven approach that places businesses and farmers at the
center of the innovation.
- The laboratory for breeding quality crop varieties at the Central Highlands Agro-Forestry Scientific
and Technical Institute.Photo: Thanh Hoa/VNP
Fresh flowers for export are labeled with QR codes for traceability. Photo: Thanh Hoa/VNP
This spirit was emphasized by General Secretary
To Lam during the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary
of the Agriculture and Environment sector on November
12, 2025 where he stressed that science and technology,
innovation, digital transformation, and data must
become the key drivers of agricultural development,
integrated into every stage of production, from growing,
biotechnology, and automation to traceability, logistics, and digital commerce. He also called for stronger links
among scientists, businesses, cooperatives, and farmers,
emphasizing that agricultural extension must stay
closely connected to reality rather than just on slogans.
This transformation has already given rise to
a new generation of “digital farmers”, including
engineer Ho Quang Cua, the creator of the ST24 and
ST25 rice varieties; Chu Van Sam who annually earns
1.2 billion dong (nearly 50,000 US dollars) from dairy
farming, and Nguyen Chi Linh with shrimp farming
generating up to 90 billion dong (3.5 million US dollars)/
year.
A shrimp processing line for export at Minh Phu Seafood Group in Ca Mau Province.
Photo: Vu Sinh/VNA
Students from the Faculty of Fisheries, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, operate AI- and IoT-integrated
equipment to analyze plankton in aquatic environments.
Photo: Le Dong/VNA
At the same time, agricultural startups led by young
people are gaining momentum. In 2025, many projects
applied artificial intelligence to forecast crop diseases,
manage farms through sensor systems, develop circular
livestock raising models, and analyze big data in
agriculture. Farmers today rely on not only experience, but also real-time data such as
humidity, temperature, and nutrient
levels displayed on smartphones.
At the Nha Ho Cotton Research
and Agricultural Development
Institute, researchers have applied IoT
technology to regulate greenhouse
microclimates. Precision irrigation
systems combined with automated
nutrient delivery help crops receive the
right amount of water and nutrition,
reducing waste and minimizing
environmental pollution.
Another major breakthrough is
product traceability. The digitalization
of land, forest, and planting-area data
allows international consumers to
trace Vietnamese agricultural products
from cultivation to processing.
This transparency is essential for
Vietnamese farm exports to meet the
standards of finicky markets
Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW is expected to create
a turning point for Vietnam’s agriculture in the
digital era. By promoting innovation, advancing
science and technology, and fostering a new
generation of “digital farmers,” it paves the
way for greener, smarter, and more sustainable
agriculture.
Australian agricultural experts on a field visit to evaluate specialty coffee farming models in Dak
Lak Province. Photo: Thanh Hoa/VNP
Gia Lai is accelerating the planning of high-tech agricultural production zones to support export-oriented farming development. Photo: Thanh Hoa/VNP
Ca Mau is currently Vietnam’s largest shrimp-farming province, with more than 424,000ha of shrimp ponds, accounting for about 40% of the country’s total shrimp-farming area. Annual output is estimated at 566,000 tons, generating export revenue of around 2.3 billion US dollars, nearly half of Vietnam’s total shrimp export value. Photo: Vu Sinh/VNA
To make science and technology
truly applicable, Resolution No. 57
promotes closer cooperation among
the State, scientists, and businesses,
with the state focusing on policies
and digital infrastructure; businesses
providing resources and scientists
solving practical problems .The implementation of Resolution
No. 57 shows that when thinking is
renewed, bottlenecks are removed, and
technology is transferred to farmers,
Vietnam’s agriculture is well positioned
for a breakthrough toward a modern,
green, and sustainable future.
Story: Thanh Hoa Photos: Thanh Hoa/VNP & VNA