Digital livestock farming in Thai Nguyen: From policy to practical action

As a locality with strengths in livestock farming in the Northern midland and mountainous region, Thai Nguyen has recognized early on that digital transformation is one of the important pillars to enhance the sector's productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Moving beyond strategic vision, the province is gradually concretizing it through practical policies and pilot models that deliver tangible results.

Practical action aligned with the people's needs

In the context of increasing demands for green, smart, and integrated agricultural development, Thai Nguyen has issued numerous resolutions and action programs to concretize the Party and State's policies on digital transformation in agriculture. In 2025, the province organized a seminar titled "Breakthrough in Developing Science and Technology, Innovation, and Digital Transformation in Thai Nguyen's Livestock Sector."

At the seminar, many fundamental solutions have been agreed upon, including developing pilot models in key livestock farming areas, implementing livestock management and traceability software, gradually standardizing sectoral data to serve state management, and encouraging technology providers to accompany farmers.

Digital transformation is no longer an abstract concept. In Thai Nguyen, it has been identified as a key driver of innovation, growth, and economic efficiency, and as a contributor to addressing environmental, disease, and food-safety challenges.

Following directives from the Provincial People's Committee, the Thai Nguyen Department of Agriculture and Environment organized trips to observe and learn from some advanced livestock farming models both domestically and internationally. Based on these experiences, numerous pilot models have been developed, including climate-sensing applications, automated control systems, herd-management software, and organic waste treatment systems using bio-bedding.

The Department of Agriculture and Environment has also established technical support mechanisms, conducted software training, and connected technology enterprises with cooperatives and livestock farming households. This "on-the-job training" approach helps farmers not only access technology but also operate it proficiently, tailored to the conditions of each locality.

Strengthening linkages and building a digital ecosystem

According to Mr. Do Dinh Trung, Deputy Director of the Sub-Department of Livestock Production, Animal Health and Fisheries under the Thai Nguyen Department of Agriculture and Environment, Thai Nguyen has identified that digital transformation cannot happen in isolation. Therefore, the province is vigorously promoting the "four-house" linkage among the State, farmers, scientists, and enterprises.

Technological equipment and management software providers are encouraged to participate in supplying comprehensive solutions tailored to the scale and investment capacity of each livestock farming household. Additionally, the province is directing the development of a sectoral livestock database, gradually integrating data on land, breeds, and diseases to enable efficient, transparent management and support both direction and risk management.

By 2030, the province aims to have 100% of medium- and large-scale livestock farms adopt at least one digital technology solution, 70% of livestock products be traceable electronically, and establish at least 10 smart, closed farming models along the value chain.

"Although many positive results have been achieved, digital transformation in Thai Nguyen’s livestock sector still faces barriers, including a lack of initial investment capital, unsynchronized digital infrastructure in remote areas, and limited technological capacity of livestock farming households. Thus, flexible financial mechanisms and preferential credit policies for digital transformation models are needed. At the same time, it is also essential to accelerate communication, raise awareness, and provide digital skills training for rural residents," Mr. Trung emphasized.

The synchronous involvement of the entire political system, close support from the functional sector, and especially the proactive engagement of livestock farmers themselves will determine the success of the digital transformation process. Digital transformation is not only a solution to respond to current challenges but also a strategic step to elevate Thai Nguyen's livestock sector in the future.