Bringing digital technology to every field: Dong Thap

Smart villages pave the way for digital agriculture

On its journey toward building a modern, green, and sustainable agricultural sector, Dong Thap is steadily integrating science and technology into every orchard and rice field. Smart agriculture is no longer a distant concept but has become a visible reality in local farming practices.

The smart village model in Tan Thuan Tay ward (Cao Lanh, Dong Thap) is a specialized mango-growing area. Here, internet infrastructure is widely available, and automated irrigation systems have been synchronized, allowing farmers to precisely monitor water and nutrient delivery to each mango tree in real time.

Smart monitoring stations track water sources, air humidity, environmental temperature, pH levels, and many other indicators. Data is continuously uploaded to cloud computing platforms and analyzed using algorithms to provide early warnings on pests, unfavorable weather, and disaster risks.

Now in his seventies, Dang Van Nhung, also known as Bay Nhung, once faced many challenges in adapting to digital technology. Terms such as sensors, cloud data, and smartphone applications were significant barriers for a farmer accustomed to traditional cultivation methods. However, after receiving training and hands-on practice, he can now skillfully use modern devices right in his orchard.

“I used to rely entirely on experience when it comes to irrigation. It was difficult to determine the right amount of water for mango trees. Today, by simply checking data on a smartphone, farmers can accurately monitor soil moisture and identify the ideal timing for irrigation. Even from inside the house, we can control the irrigation system. Once the humidity reaches the required level, we can turn it off immediately. This saves a great deal of water and production costs,” Dang Van Nhung said.

According to Nhung, objective scientific data from the monitoring system has strengthened farmers’ trust. Many farming households, both inside and outside the locality, have actively visited to learn about agricultural technology applications.

Drones become an “extended arm” in the fields

From high-tech fruit orchards to Dong Thap’s key rice-producing areas, a new picture of agricultural labor is emerging. The familiar image of farmers carrying heavy pesticide tanks across muddy fields for hours is gradually being replaced by modern drones flying over rice paddies.

Drones are becoming highly effective tools for pesticide spraying, fertilizer application, and field monitoring. Research and real-world farming practice show that drones can significantly reduce water use, limit chemicals, lower labor costs, and improve production efficiency.

In My An Hung commune (Dong Thap), Doan Quoc Hung is among the pioneers providing agricultural drone services. Starting with one drone to support his family’s farmland, he noticed rising demand among local farmers and thus boldly invested in additional drones for spraying, fertilizing, and rice seeding services.

According to Hung, drone prices were very high just a few years ago. Today, the market offers more options, and prices have dropped significantly to VND 350 - 450 million per unit, making the technology more accessible to individuals and cooperatives.

“At times, farmers book spraying and fertilizing services two to three days in advance. Some even schedule the next service immediately after completing the current one,” he said.

It is not only individual farmers who are embracing this technology. Many cooperatives across Dong Thap are planning investments in drones to serve members and expand services to nearby areas. Nguyen Huu Nghia, Deputy Director of Thang Loi Agricultural Cooperative (My Quy commune), said the cooperative plans to purchase additional drones to improve the quality of mechanized services. Drone operators will receive structured training to ensure safe and efficient operation.

According to Tran Thanh Tam, head of the Dong Thap Plant Production and Protection Sub-Department, applying science and technology, particularly smart devices such as drones or environmental monitoring, sensors, and automated irrigation systems, is driving a major transformation in local agriculture.

These technologies significantly reduce seed use, irrigation water, fertilizers, and crop protection chemicals while cutting labor costs amid growing rural labor shortages. In the case of drones, many models show water use can be reduced by up to 70%, pesticide use by 30 %, and operation time shortened considerably.

Bringing digital technology into agricultural production not only reduces costs but also improves productivity and product quality, protects farmers’ health, and lowers environmental emissions. This is a crucial foundation for Dong Thap to build a green, modern agricultural sector and sustainably improve farmers’ incomes.