Dong Thap accelerates technology and digital transformation

Implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW dated December 22, 2024 of the Politburo on “Breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation and national digital transformation” (referred to as Resolution 57), Dong Thap is actively applying science, technology, and digital transformation to modernize its agriculture toward a green, circular, smart and climate resilient direction.

The VAN News spoke with Mr. Nguyen Thanh Dieu, Vice Chairman of the Dong Thap Provincial People’s Committee, to clarify the province’s orientations, challenges, and solutions in this crucial field.

Resolution 57 is regarded as a strategic turning point. From your perspective, what opportunities does it bring to Dong Thap’s agricultural sector?

Resolution 57 is not only a guiding policy but also a strong momentum for localities, especially provinces with key agricultural sectors like Dong Thap, to accelerate the transformation of their development models.

After administrative restructuring, Dong Thap now has a broader scale and wider governance scope, requiring a more comprehensive approach to management, production planning, and resource and environmental protection. This is an opportunity for the province to promote digital technologies, land mapping, water resource management, and real time environmental monitoring.

In particular, the Resolution paves the way for establishing a provincial innovation ecosystem, connecting scientists, technology enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers to jointly develop smart and high-tech agricultural models. With its strengths in rice, mango, dragon fruit, pangasius, ornamental flowers, and other high value crops, Dong Thap can become a hub for green, high-quality agricultural production serving both domestic and international markets.

Digital transformation also expands consumption channels through traceability systems, e-commerce, and digital platforms, an essential foundation for developing circular, eco-friendly and climate adaptive agriculture.

Alongside opportunities, what challenges does Dong Thap face in applying science, technology and digital transformation?

Indeed, innovation always goes hand in hand with challenges, especially in agriculture, where production remains fragmented and heavily reliant on traditional experience.

In terms of infrastructure, many remote communes still lack adequate IT and telecommunications networks, hindering the synchronized implementation of digital solutions in production and management.

Regarding human resources, local officials, particularly those working in agriculture, often lack technological skills. Most farmers still rely on experience-based cultivation and have limited access to modern management tools. Without proper training, technology cannot yield its full benefits.

Additionally, the innovation ecosystem remains weakly connected among the “4 pillars”: the State, scientists, businesses, and farmers. Without effective coordination mechanisms, research outcomes are difficult to apply in practice.

Another bottleneck lies in capital. High-tech and digital transformation require substantial investment, yet many cooperatives and small businesses hesitate to commit long-term resources or face difficulties accessing credit.

Finally, the increasing severity of climate change in the Mekong Delta poses growing risks. Without technological forecasting and early warning systems, farmers will face major production uncertainties.

How do you assess the role of science, technology and digital transformation in building a green, circular and climate resilient agriculture?

This is a decisive factor. We view science, technology, and digital transformation as indispensable tools for restructuring the agricultural sector toward sustainability, efficiency, and environmental adaptation.

Technology optimizes the entire value chain, from cultivation and care to harvesting, processing, and distribution. For example, IoT-based mango cultivation enables smart regulation of water, light, and nutrients, reducing costs while boosting productivity.

The province is also implementing circular-agriculture models such as reusing by-products for organic fertilizer and applying biotechnology to reduce pollution.

In aquaculture, environmental sensors help control water quality and prevent disease outbreaks, while big data and digital climate-risk maps support more accurate decision-making.

Models like smart rice - fish systems, high-tech greenhouses, and QR-based traceability demonstrate that when applied effectively, technology can create clean, safe products that meet stringent export standards.

What strategic directions will Dong Thap pursue to effectively implement Resolution 57 in the coming years?

The province has outlined five strategic orientations for 2025 - 2030, placing technology at the core of agricultural and environmental development:

First, build an agricultural innovation ecosystem. Encourage cooperation among start-ups, research institutes, universities, and farmers to develop market oriented practical models.

Second, promote comprehensive digital transformation. Deploy shared data platforms, digital agricultural maps, and online trading platforms, advancing toward digital governance in production management and environmental protection.

Third, expand smart and high-tech agricultural models. Focus on key products such as rice, mango, pangasius, and ornamental plants, emphasizing resource efficiency and emissions reduction to foster a circular economy.

Fourth, enhance human resource quality. Provide digital training for technical staff, cooperatives, and farmers, and strengthen international cooperation to learn from advanced agricultural countries such as Japan and Korea.

Fifth, attract investment in research, application, and technology transfer. Pilot public - private partnerships (PPP) to mobilize resources for science and technology development and transfer.

Thank you very much, Vice Chairman!

To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Agriculture and Environment Sector and the 1st Patriotic Emulation Congress, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will hold a series of events from July to December 2025.The highlight will be the 80th Anniversary Ceremony and the 1st Patriotic Emulation Congress, scheduled for the morning of November 12, 2025, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, with over 1,200 delegates in attendance. VAN News will broadcast the event live.