An Giang innovates growth model toward green agriculture

A strong foundation for agricultural restructuring

As climate change becomes more complex, agricultural markets are more fiercely competitive, and requirements for sustainable development are increasingly stringent. An Giang's agricultural sector urgently needs to innovate its growth model. In addition to increasing output, the sector is gradually shifting to a development mindset centered on value, quality, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. These factors are key drivers, laying a solid foundation for restructuring the agricultural sector in a modern, sustainable direction.

An Giang's agricultural sector has focused on synchronously deploying many tasks and solutions to restructure the sector toward higher added value and sustainable development. Crop production continues to play a pillar role, with rice as the key industry.

A flexible crop structure, combined with a comprehensive irrigation system, has helped shape distinctive rice-growing ecological zones, facilitating the development of high-quality raw material areas. In parallel, the province has significantly expanded the cultivation of fruit and vegetables, with tens of thousands of hectares linked to domestic consumption through cooperatives and enterprises, ensuring stable output and increasing farmers' incomes.

The implementation of the "Sustainable Development of One Million Hectares Specializing in High-Quality, Low-Emission Rice Cultivation in the Mekong Delta" project has delivered clear results: higher yields, lower production costs, improved farmer profits, and controlled greenhouse gas emissions.

High technology: A new growth driver

A key highlight in An Giang's agricultural restructuring is the application of science and technology and digital transformation. Many modern production models have been implemented, including high-tech vegetable farming in net houses, water-saving irrigation systems controlled via smartphones, and the use of drones throughout the rice production process. These practices clearly demonstrate the shift from traditional farming to smart, precise, and environmentally friendly agriculture.

In the livestock sector, An Giang is developing toward commodity-oriented production, biosecurity, and emission reduction. Numerous high-tech pig and chicken farms with closed barn systems have been invested in, with smart management systems, automation, and biological preparations implemented.

Fisheries continues to serve as a critical growth pillar. High-tech shrimp farming models, shrimp–rice farming, marine farming using HDPE cages, and pangasius value chains meeting international standards have enhanced competitiveness and expanded export markets to the EU, the U.S., and many other potential destinations.

According to Mr. Tran Thanh Hiep, Deputy Director of the An Giang Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province's agricultural restructuring in the coming period will strongly focus on innovating the growth model in a green, modern, and sustainable direction. An Giang identifies science and technology, digital transformation, and the reorganization of production along value chains as key drivers. The province will continue to replicate smart agriculture models and enhance capacity for farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises, while accelerating agricultural trade promotion on digital platforms.

At the same time, An Giang pays attention to building a workforce of "digital farmers" and "digital extension officers," strengthening the management of planting areas, traceability, and the development of agricultural brands aligned with international standards.