80 years of science and technology propelling Vietnam to become an agricultural export powerhouse

From famine to food security

Today, Vietnam is one of the top 15 agricultural exporters in the world. This success is the culmination of 80 years of continuous focus by the Communist Party and the state on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas, positioning them as strategic priorities for national development. A look back at this journey highlights the crucial role of science and technology.

In 1945, a newly independent Vietnam faced a devastating famine that claimed over two million lives. With exhausted fields and desolate villages, the nation confronted major challenges: food scarcity, a lack of clothing, and no foundation for production and development. At the time, Vietnam's population was only about 25 million people. After decades of French colonial rule, its policy frameworks were rudimentary, and science and technology were underdeveloped.

Despite these challenges, the period from 1945 to 1954 saw positive changes. In less than a decade, Vietnam produced enough food to feed its army, police, and the entire society, supporting the resistance war and contributing to the glorious victory at Dien Bien Phu.

From 1954 to 1975, the country continued to make significant strides. The "five-ton fields" movement exemplified the huge role of science and technology in the research of new rice, livestock, seafood, and forestry varieties, as well as in geology, minerals, and the environment.

The period from 1976 to 1989 marked a gradual transition from a centrally planned, subsidized economy to a contractual one. Key milestones included "Directive 100" in 1981 and "Resolution 10" in 1988, which introduced contracts for farming households. As policies became more refined, production flourished. Simultaneously, new, high-quality varieties of crops, timber, and livestock were introduced. The aquaculture and seafood harvesting sectors also began processing for export. 1989 was a historic turning point: Vietnam, once facing food shortages, became a major food exporter.

Science and technology remain intact in all sectors

Since the Doi Moi (renovation) period, Vietnamese agriculture has continued to achieve miracles. In 2023, Vietnam exported 8.13 million tons of rice, increasing to 9.15 million tons in 2024. From a nation focused on basic sustenance, Vietnamese rice has gained a reputation for high quality and reliability on the international market, ensuring farmers earn over a 30% profit.

In aquaculture, science and technology have opened new avenues with key species like whiteleg shrimp and basa catfish. Basa catfish, in particular, has become a flagship product, with a projected output of 1.65 million tons and an export value of around USD 2 billion in 2025. The shrimp industry aims for 1.3-1.4 million tons and USD 4.3 billion in exports for the same year. Vietnam has developed high-tech shrimp farming models that yield up to 60 tons per hectare, a significant leap from traditional extensive farming.

The livestock sector has also been elevated by scientific and technological advancements. Modern breeding practices allow a sow to produce and raise 32-34 piglets annually, with high survival rates and rapid growth. Similar progress has been made in poultry farming, where high-quality chicken and duck breeds are selected and raised with technology to boost productivity and disease resistance. The dairy, beef, goat, and sheep sectors have also adopted new techniques in breeding, feed, and management, leading to high-volume, high-quality production. Advanced farming models with automated barns and environmental controls have reduced disease, increased economic efficiency, and ensured food safety.

In veterinary medicine, Vietnam has proactively researched and produced important vaccines for diseases like foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, and avian influenza, protecting livestock herds. Concurrently, biosecurity measures, including epidemiological management, barn hygiene control, proper waste treatment, and water source management, have been widely implemented.

In crop cultivation, there is a growing focus on organic methods, with biological pesticides now accounting for 17% of the total and targeting 30% in the future. Imported fertilizer use has significantly declined, with a long-term goal of using around 4 million tons of organic fertilizer annually.

Research institutions play a crucial role in pest control and developing resilient, disease-resistant crop varieties. Smart and sustainable farming methods, including nutrient management, crop rotation, and pest control,are widely used to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact.

Forestry has also seen remarkable progress. In 2004, when the Law on Forest Protection and Development was enacted, the national forest cover was only 37%. Today, that figure exceeds 42%, with timber and wood product exports reaching USD 16.25 billion in 2024. Beyond expanding coverage, the quality of forests has also improved, contributing significantly to ecological preservation and disaster mitigation.

Additionally, forests are becoming a stable source of income for millions of households. The Forest Environmental Services Fund has grown steadily, providing a sustainable resource to enhance forest quality and encourage long-term commitment from the local population.

The land, environment, and mineral sectors have also benefited from technology, which aids in mapping, soil classification, and resource assessment. Remote sensing is used to monitor resource fluctuations and forecast natural disasters, while scientific findings are applied to regional and international irrigation projects. Climate change forecasting has become more accurate, and technology helps with the efficient exploitation of minerals.

Unlocking potential through Resolution 57

Over the past 80 years, Vietnam has shown considerable interest in science and technology, but it has not fully unlocked its potential. As the country enters the 2026–2030 period, there is a renewed focus on science and technology as the key driver of development, especially in the agriculture and environment sectors.

While Vietnam benefits from a large, skilled workforce, a growing scientific infrastructure, and modern equipment, there are still institutional and financial limitations. To address this, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has begun to implement resolutions, particularly Resolution 57, which focuses on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation. This resolution is a major milestone, placing science and technology at the forefront of national development.

Starting in 2026, the ministry will launch numerous research projects, with 28 of them linked to Resolution 57. The ministry will also propose solutions to over 20 major challenges in the agriculture and environment sectors, focusing on key products and seeking a comprehensive approach to create new development opportunities.

The ministry hopes that with supportive policies and resources, scientists will have more opportunities to contribute their expertise. These research outcomes are expected to bring significant advancements to the agriculture and environment sector as the nation continues to grow.

In a democratic and collaborative spirit, the ministry has invited scientists, experts, and managers to work together to solve the industry’s "big problems". For example, in the fisheries sector, the three main challenges are: achieving a breakthrough in cultivation, improving processing capacity (especially deep processing), and developing sustainable harvesting technologies. Similarly, in other fields, there is an urgent need to create remote sensing maps for economic development and disaster prevention, as well as to improve soil health to boost crop and forestry development. These efforts aim to produce high-quality OCOP products (One Commune, One Product) that reflect regional culture and are competitive in the international market.

(In an interview with Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien)