Dong Thap moves toward nature-based, modern agriculture

Organizing space for the development of every single areas

Dong Thap plans to implement a comprehensive restructuring of its Department of Agriculture and Environment sector in the near future, with a focus on the optimization of product value through the implementation of circular processing-production chains and high technology. The province is concurrently concentrating on the implementation of the project "Building Dong Thap as a pioneer in ecological agriculture, modern rural areas, and smart farmers".

The province is reorganizing the development space for each ecological region to ensure a close connection with the market and the processing industry while simultaneously concluding the corresponding technical infrastructure. The Dong Thap Muoi region and the upstream localities of the Tien River will be transformed into a center for the production of freshwater aquaculture, lotus, and rice.

To ensure the sustainable development of one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice specialization in the Mekong Delta, Dong Thap will implement the initiative "Green growth in the rice sector." The province's goal is to increase the area available for two-crop production annually and further advance the value chain toward high-tech, in-depth development. This includes forming large-scale raw material zones with synchronized mechanization and the application of advanced farming procedures.

The province is designating stable cultivation areas and developing the value chain to diversify products, including food, medicinal herbs, cosmetics, and ecological tourism, to increase the value of the lotus plant. It plans to establish a center for agricultural products and freshwater aquaculture, which will coordinate and connect the supply and demand of the entire region.

The locality is jointly focusing on the development of the area along the Tien River, a zone that is enriched with alluvium and year-round freshwater, into a national-level specialized region for specialty fruit trees and ornamental flowers. The primary fruit-growing regions for durian, mango, jackfruit, longan, and guava will undergo a restructuring process in order to enhance food safety, enhance quality, and expand export markets. With the integration of production, research, novel variety breeding, and tourism development, the Sa Dec Flower Village will be transformed into a high-tech ornamental flower center that serves the entire nation.

Furthermore, the province intends to establish a sustainable marine agricultural economy hub in the coastal regions in the face of climate adaptation. In a sustainable and environmentally friendly fashion, it will significantly advance the cultivation of high-value aquatic species, including mussels, oysters, clams, and shrimp.

Additionally, Dong Thap will finalize its irrigation infrastructure to guarantee a consistent water supply for production, daily life, and the effective management of drought and salinity. It will also complete the digital transformation of the agriculture sector, land management, resource management, and environmental protection.

Continuing positive results

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap, the province has successfully executed initiatives in the past that have altered cropping patterns and shifted seasons, resulting in the establishment of two-crop rice production areas. The province has also effectively restructured crops on less-efficient rice land to focus on higher-value ornamental flowers, fruit trees, and aquaculture.

Furthermore, the agricultural sector has progressively adapted to the requirements of numerous stringent markets by adopting modern, safe, and organic practices. Various forms of cooperation and linkages in production, consumption, and supply have become more common. The development of the value chains of critical commodity groups is conducive to the expansion of exports.

Notably, the sector's digital transformation has achieved positive results. We have digitized and made available all data, from the provincial to the communal level, in order to assist the public. The province has also implemented various policies, strategies, and projects to foster sustainable, green, and circular agriculture with reduced emissions, a prerequisite for developing a resilient, climate-adaptive agricultural sector.

Le Ha Luan, Director of the Dong Thap Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, stated that the department prioritized the effective and timely execution of core tasks during the first nine months of the year and concentrated on organizational restructuring following administrative boundary consolidation.

Regarding the establishment of cultivation area codes, the entire province has been issued 3,430 codes for key crops such as mango, durian, jackfruit, rice, and vegetables.

The department is also advancing scientific-technological research, initiatives, and programs that are associated with the application of high technology in agricultural production. A prime example is the high-quality, low-emission rice farming model linked to green growth, implemented during the 2025 Summer-Autumn crop at the My Thanh Bac Agricultural Service Cooperative in My Thanh commune, covering 50 hectares and involving 39 farmers.

Specifically for the project, "Sustainable development of one million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice specialization linked to green growth in the Mekong Delta by 2030," the province has completed 58,883 hectares, equivalent to 81.6% of the Phase 2024-2025 target. The objective is to achieve 75,000 hectares by the conclusion of 2025, which is equivalent to 104% of the Phase I target.

Additionally, the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment is responsible for the development and replication of models for aquaculture, animal husbandry, and cultivation that adhere to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), employ advanced technology, and employ information technology to manage the traceability of agricultural products.