Ho Chi Minh to pioneer high-tech urban agriculture in Asia

In many countries, urban agriculture is regarded as a pillar of development planning. Singapore utilizes rooftops, terraces, and multi-story parking lots to grow high-tech vegetables, aiming for 30% self-sufficiency in food supply by 2030. Japan develops "indoor farm" models supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), while the Netherlands integrates greenhouse agriculture right into urban centers, creating one of the world's leading sustainable agricultural sectors despite limited land area.

Meanwhile, in Viet Nam, the development process still faces many obstacles: the policy framework for urban agriculture is incomplete; technology access remains difficult and investment costs are high; the consumption market is unstable; urban infrastructure has not been designed to integrate agricultural spaces; and the linkage between scientists, managers, businesses, and the public is weak.

Mr. Pham Ngoc Tuan, Director of Binh Dien Mekong Joint Stock Company, stated that urban agriculture is becoming an inevitable trend, not only supplying clean food but also creating green spaces, improving quality of life, and unlocking new economic value.

In Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, and Can Tho, models such as rooftop farms, hydroponic and aeroponic vegetables, or agriculture combined with eco-tourism are realizing the vision of modern cities harmonizing with nature. These models contribute to reducing heat radiation, absorbing CO2​, improving the microclimate, and creating economic opportunities for residents.

For urban agriculture to truly become a "green pillar," according to Mr. Pham Ngoc Tuan, it requires long-term cooperation among businesses supplying materials and technical solutions, and the public.

Dr. Nguyen Hai An, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center, stated that biotechnology is becoming the "key" to urban agriculture. Advances like CRISPR, drought- and salinity-tolerant varieties, and waste-degrading microorganisms in aquaponics systems help increase productivity by 20-30% and reduce water and energy consumption.

Studies show that biotech helps reduce the amount of plant protection chemicals by 40%, saves 15–20% in operating costs, extends the shelf life of agricultural products, and reduces post-harvest loss by up to 45%. In vertical farming models, productivity can increase manifold, and CO2​ emissions are significantly reduced due to shortened transportation.

Beyond economic and environmental benefits, biotechnology also creates new jobs, increases food self-sufficiency, and improves nutrition for urban communities. However, Dr. Nguyen Hai An believes that to better utilize new technologies, the city needs to complete the legal framework for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), support startups, and enhance communication to alleviate social concerns.

Regarding Ho Chi Minh City, Dr. Nguyen Hai An noted that the megacity is losing approximately 20% of its agricultural land, suffers from air pollution, and is impacted by climate change; thus, biotechnology presents a strategic opportunity. Projects like the High-Tech Agricultural Park in Cu Chi have already helped increase clean vegetable productivity by 40%.

By 2030, according to forecasts by Earmonaut and the FAO, HCMC could supply 30% of its urban food needs through biotech applications, contributing to the realization of Vietnam's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

With decisive action, ranging from updating planning and financial support to measuring progress on the SDGs, Dr. Nguyen Hai An believes HCMC can become a model for developing cities in Asia, reduce supply chain risks, and create thousands of high-quality jobs.

According to Dr. Tran Dinh Ly, Vice Rector of Nong Lam University, the public green space area in HCMC is only about 0.55m²/person, which is significantly lower than in major cities in the region. During the 2020-2025 period, the city planted 42,500 trees and added 237 hectares of parks, but this figure still does not meet the needs of a metropolis with over 10 million inhabitants.

Dr. Ly emphasized that green space must become a mandatory criterion in planning, not merely a slogan. Urban agriculture needs to be elevated to a strategic level, encompassing farms inside commercial centers, vertical farms, community gardens in residential areas, or farm-in-mall models, as many Asian cities are already adopting.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Lai Thanh Nam, Chairman of the Vietnam Green Science and Technology Union, argued that urban agriculture must be viewed as essential infrastructure for a livable city. Every square meter of green strips, rooftops, balconies, community gardens, or vacant land can become a place for planting, aquaculture, installing vegetable towers, or aquaponics models.

"Urban agriculture provides fresh, local food, reduces reliance on long supply chains, contributes to reducing urban temperature, improves air quality, increases community connection, and creates a practical educational environment for children," Mr. Lai Thanh Nam said.

At the seminar, experts stated that urban agriculture is an inevitable trend, contributing to the creation of green spaces and improving the environment, climate, and quality of life. Sustainable development requires integrating agricultural strategies into planning, applying high technology, promoting innovation, and adopting a circular economy. The community is central to this, where every resident can engage in self-production and self-employment and benefit directly from green spaces. Concurrently, appropriate policies, training, research, and effective communication will be the foundation for urban agriculture to become a true green pillar of modern cities.