Applying digital technology to promote the flower and ornamental plant industry

The Union of Science and Technology Associations of Dong Thap province, in collaboration with the Dong Thap province's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Dong Thap Association of Ornamental Organisms, organized a workshop on the development orientation and solutions for the flower and ornamental plant industry in Dong Thap province. The event was held on May 30, at the Sa Dec Flower and Ornamental Plant Tourism Area.

During the seminar, speakers and scientists shared extensive knowledge on the application of scientific technology in the production, harvesting, and promotion of flower and ornamental plant products. Topics included the use of biotechnology, nanotechnology, smart greenhouses, soil-free production technology, robotics, imaging technology, IoT technology, artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and digital transformation application in the flower and ornamental plant industry.

As a result, numerous strategies were proposed for the future development of flower and ornamental plant production and supply in Dong Thap province. Among these, speakers emphasized the need to accelerate the adoption of advanced biotechnological methods in flower and ornamental plant cultivation. They also suggested closer collaboration with research institutes, universities, and experts specializing in flower and ornamental plant breeding. Additionally, they proposed training programs and the transfer of advanced production techniques with an organic focus, coupled with strategies for product marketing and consumption.

There was also an emphasis on investment in infrastructure upgrades and expansions to support the development of the flower and ornamental plant industry. Other proposals included reviewing and expanding the planning of concentrated flower and ornamental plant production areas in association with community tourism, experiential tourism, and agricultural tourism; strengthening trade promotion efforts for flower and ornamental plant products; supporting the development of the flower and ornamental plant industry on digital trading platforms; enhancing international cooperation activities; and establishing models and projects aimed at green agriculture in association with low carbon emissions and environmental consciousness.

The flower and ornamental plant industry stands as one of the five key industries within Dong Thap province's Agricultural Restructuring Project. This industry has observed remarkable growth in recent years, boasting over 3,000 hectares of production area, more than 2,000 flower varieties, and an annual yield of 12 million products. The local flower and ornamental plant products are distributed in Sa Dec city and the districts of Lai Vung and Lap Vo in Cao Lanh city. Notably, the production value of Dong Thap's flower and ornamental plant industry reached 6,161 billion VND in 2023.

On the evening of December 30, 2023, Dong Thap Provincial People's Committee organized the opening ceremony for the first Sa Dec Flower Festival with the theme "Love for the Land - Love for Flowers".

The Sa Dec Flower Festival event aimed to celebrate the 100-year-old floral village of Sa Dec, honoring its economic and cultural values in association with tourism development and the promotion of the local image. The event provided Dong Thap province with the opportunity to introduce visitors to the vibrant and creative image of the land of pink lotus, complemented by its traditional cultural values - a charming and friendly destination for travelers.

Sa Dec's flowers and ornamental plants are now present in all provinces and cities across Vietnam, beginning its first steps on a journey to expand into international markets. Sa Dec has also become a familiar destination for millions of tourists every year, who are drawn to its lush greenery and the vibrant colors of flowers and foliage. The city offers an immersive experience amidst nature's beauty. 

Within the festival framework, in addition to Sa Dec's flowers and ornamental plants, participants will have the opportunity to explore products from various renowned flower villages across Vietnam and countries with expertise in floriculture, such as the Netherlands and Thailand, through various exhibition booths, seminars and workshops organized during the festival.

According to a report from Sa Dec City People's Committee, an estimated 150 thousand tourists visited Sa Dec Flower Village between December 30, 2023, and January 2, 2024 to participate in activities at the Sa Dec Flower Festival. The estimated revenue from tourism activities during this time exceeded 65 billion VND, with approximately 40 thousand tourists attending the opening night.