IoT, AI application in agriculture increases productivity and reduces cost

Technology paving the way for smart agriculture

In recent years, Vinh Long has emerged as a leading locality in applying technology, particularly the IoT and AI to agricultural production. This represents not only a step forward in digital transformation but also a strategic direction that helps farmers increase productivity, optimize costs, manage resources efficiently, and enhance the competitiveness of local agricultural products. Smart technology models applied to vegetable cultivation, fruit tree farming, aquaculture, and fisheries have delivered remarkable results, boosting incomes and improving living standards for local communities.

Mr. Lam Van Tan, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long Province, said that the application of IoT and AI in local agriculture is being implemented to automate and drive data-driven production. Environmental sensor systems monitor temperature, humidity, soil nutrients, and water quality, while software and AI analyze data, predict pest and disease outbreaks, automatically control irrigation and fertilization, and enable traceability and digital record-keeping. Thanks to this approach, farmers can take a more proactive role in production management and reduce dependence on traditional experience.

In crop production, smart greenhouses, net houses, hydroponic systems, and organic farming models integrated with intelligent sensors are becoming increasingly common. Currently, about 10% of the province’s vegetable-growing area, approximately 4,000 hectares per year, has adopted such systems. Results show reduced costs, higher productivity, uniform products that meet quality standards, increased economic value, and stable income sources for households and cooperatives.

For fruit trees - a key strength of Vinh Long, the adoption of high technology has also expanded rapidly. Around 4,500-5,000 hectares, equivalent to 5-6% of the province’s major fruit-growing areas, such as longan, mango, orange, pomelo, and durian, are now equipped with water-saving irrigation systems, QR code traceability, and production practices that meet VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards. This has helped improve product quality and consistency, making it easier to expand markets, especially for export.

Beyond cultivation, Vinh Long’s aquaculture sector is also transforming through technology. About 25-30% of the province’s key aquaculture area (15,000-18,000 hectares) has adopted automatic feeding systems, camera monitoring, AI-based health analysis for aquatic species, and automated environmental monitoring of indicators such as pH, DO, salinity and NH3. Remote alert systems enable farmers to control risks, proactively manage environmental conditions, prevent disease outbreaks, and enhance production efficiency.

Expanding high-tech agricultural production

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long province, the province aims to increase the area of high-tech vegetable cultivation to 30-40% (12,000-16,000 hectares) and fruit tree farming to around 20% (23,000-30,000 hectares) by 2030. To achieve these goals, the province is implementing a range of key measures. Among them, training courses on digital transformation are being organized for officials, farmers, and cooperatives through community digital technology teams.

At the same time, Vinh Long is partnering with enterprises and universities such as VNPT, Viettel, FPT, Can Tho University, and the Southern Fruit Research Institute to provide training on data and technology usage; develop digital infrastructure with servers, high-speed connectivity, and a shared agricultural database; digitize specialized data on agricultural land, cultivation areas, environment, and automated monitoring; and promote the application of IoT, AI, Big Data, Blockchain, smart irrigation systems, and precision agriculture.

In parallel, the province continues to support machinery and equipment innovation, accelerate mechanization, encourage private investment in science and technology, and develop more than 200 smart farming, green, circular, and organic agriculture models. The use of sensors, online monitoring, QR codes, and post-harvest preservation technologies helps reduce losses and increase product value.

In addition, Vinh Long province encourages farmers, cooperatives, and enterprises to adopt e-commerce platforms, traceability systems, drones, production management software, and partnerships under the four stakeholders model (the State, scientists, businesses, and farmers). Many innovative agricultural start-up models linked to OCOP products, green and circular farming, greenhouses, and hydroponics are also being supported for development.

These outcomes and plans demonstrate that Vinh Long is moving in the right direction in its digital agricultural transformation. The application of IoT, AI, and modern technologies not only helps increase productivity and reduce costs but also contributes to building a green, clean, and sustainable agriculture bringing meaningful changes to farmers’ lives.

To mark the 80th Anniversary of Agriculture and Environment Day and the 1st National Patriotic Emulation Congress, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is organizing a series of events running from July to December 2025. The highlight will be the Celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the Agriculture and Environment Sector and the 1st National Patriotic Emulation Congress, scheduled to take place on the morning of November 12, 2025, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi. The event is expected to welcome over 1,200 delegates, including leaders of the Party, the State, the National Assembly, and the Government; former ministry leaders; representatives of international organizations; and exemplary individuals and collectives from across the sector.