80 years of renewal and development in Quang Ninh’s agricultural sector

On November 8, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ninh province held a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Agriculture and Environment Sector (November 14, 1945 - November 14, 2025). Attending the event were Mr. Nghiem Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Council; Mr. Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Deputy Head of the Standing Delegation of the National Assembly Delegation of Quang Ninh province; leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, as well as leaders and former leaders of the provincial departments across different periods.

80 years ago, on November 14, 1945, President Ho Chi Minh signed a decree establishing the Ministry of Agriculture, the predecessor of today’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. Since then, the sector has accompanied the nation through every historical period, making significant contributions to national resistance, reconstruction, and socio-economic development.

In the early revolutionary years, the first cadres in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in Quang Ninh worked hand in hand with local residents to both produce and fight. Local authorities mobilized people to reclaim land, build irrigation systems, expand cultivation and animal husbandry, and develop fisheries. Thanks to these efforts, famine was repelled, people had enough food, and living conditions gradually stabilized.

Entering the Doi moi (Renovation) period from 1986, Quang Ninh’s agricultural sector underwent a profound transformation. Market-oriented mechanisms, contract policies and management reforms unlocked the immense potential of farmers. From a small-scale, self-sufficient economy, Quang Ninh has developed into a modern, multi-valued, market-oriented agricultural system, moving steadily toward sustainability. At the same time, land management, resource protection, and environmental governance have been strengthened, creating a solid legal foundation for the development of agriculture, rural areas, and farmers.

From 2015 to 2025, both the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Department of Natural Resources and Environment of Quang Ninh achieved comprehensive progress before their merger. The sector’s average annual growth rate of production value exceeded 3.5%. Quang Ninh became one of the first provinces nationwide to achieve 100% of communes meeting new-style rural standards, with many reaching advanced and model criteria. High-tech, ecological, and agro-tourism models have opened new directions, improving incomes and living standards for rural residents.

The agricultural structure continues to shift positively: the share of crop production decreases while livestock and aquaculture expand rapidly. Value chain-based production linked with traceability, OCOP products, VietGAP, and organic agriculture continues to grow. Resource management and environmental protection have achieved remarkable results: forest coverage is maintained at over 55%, with more than 65% of the land area under forest; digital cadastral records and land maps have been completed, laying the foundation for modern, transparent land management.

According to Mr. Nguyen Minh Son, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ninh, the merger of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, under Resolution No. 258/NQ-HDND dated February 26, 2025, marks a historic milestone.

This merger reflects a new vision for integrated resource management, sustainable development and green growth. With a leaner organizational structure, management effectiveness has improved and sectoral coordination has become more organic and cohesive, contributing to a better investment climate and higher public administrative efficiency.

In his remarks, Mr. Nguyen Van Cong, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, highly appreciated the sector’s achievements and dedication over the 80-year journey. He urged the provincial agriculture and environment sector to continue developing toward ecological, modern and sustainable models; to promote high-value forestry; and to soon advise on the development of a multi-purpose marine economy, turning Quang Ninh into an international coastal economic hub linked with the Ha Long - Bai Tu Long - Van Don - Co To tourism and economic corridors.

Mr. Cong also emphasized the need to accelerate digital transformation, foster innovation, streamline administration and apply scientific and technological advances in sectoral management. He called for the completion of provincial planning, prioritizing clean land for high-quality projects while eliminating outdated, resource-intensive technologies. He also stressed proactive climate change adaptation, disaster prevention and the building of a professional workforce with modern, integrated resource -environmental management thinking.

On this occasion, Mr. Mac Van Xuyen, former Head of the Quang Ninh Provincial Forest Protection Department, was awarded the Third-Class Labor Medal by the President of Vietnam. The Department of Agriculture and Environment of Quang Ninh province received a Certificate of Merit from the Prime Minister for its outstanding achievements in responding to Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi) and the Emulation Flag from the Minister of Agriculture and Environment.

In addition, 13 individuals with notable achievements were awarded Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister. Many collectives and individuals were also honored with Certificates of Merit and Commemorative Medals by the Minister of Agriculture and Environment and the Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.