The development of hi-tech agriculture is an inevitable trend in the world. However, the technological applications in agriculture nationwide have yet to prove effective.

Any business investing in technology-based agriculture will enjoy many the city’s preferential policies

The information was released at a seminar on Tuesday to seek ways to attract investment inflows into hi-tech agriculture, and to develop safe and high-quality agricultural products in the central region and highlands.

Speaking at the event, Mr Nguyen Quang Tin, Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that many localities and businesses nationwide have become actively involved in promoting hi-tech applications in agricultural production. However, the hi-tech applications have been only implemented by some big businesses and on some agricultural products which have won the strong trust of domestic consumers.

Mr Tran Viet Phuong, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted the significance of the development of hi-tech agriculture in the city in enhancing economic efficiency and promoting the development of agriculture in a sustainable manner. 

Director of the local agro-forestry-fishery promotion centre Dang Van Hong noted the hi-tech applications in the city’s agriculture have yet to meet the expectations of some agricultural experts.  Unplanned and small-scale production, and the instability of agricultural product supply are considered main barriers to expanding the city’s consumption markets and building its own brand name.

In attempting to deal with the problems, Da Nang has focused on promoting the hi-tech applications in agriculture in order to increase the value of agricultural products.

Any business investing in technology-based agriculture will enjoy many the city’s preferential policies.

In particular, they will be funded 50% of the costs of site clearance, with a maximum of 3 billion VND per project, and 50% of the costs of infrastructure construction, with a maximum of 2 billion VND per project.

Also, importance has been attached to restructuring the agriculture, with a focus on enhancing the added value of agricultural products and upgrading rural areas across the city in an effective and sustainable manner. 

The city sets its target of each ward/ commune having its own key product with specific advantages.

Also at the seminar, some participants shared their experience in developing hi-tech agriculture in a suitable and sustainable manner.

Ms Nguyen Thi Tuong Vi, Vice Chairwoman of the Farmers’ Association in Lam Dong Province, underlined “Four hi-tech agricultural production areas have been established in the province’s Da Huoai District. They are an area of around 23,000ha for growing vegetables, flowers and specialty trees, 20,000ha for coffee trees, over 6,000ha for tea trees, and over 90ha for durians. These models have helped to gain high economic efficiency and increase the living conditions of local farmers”.

Vice Chairwoman Vi underlined the vital role of businesses, especially FDI ones, in applying advanced technologies in agriculture, and helping her locality build its own brand name in consumption markets.