Phu Tho combines environmental protection with high-tech husbandry

Following the administrative merger, Phu Tho has gained more room to plan centralized livestock production. Along with advantages in land availability, input materials, and an increasingly complete transportation network, this province has identified large-scale livestock farming combined with science and technology as one of the drivers of agricultural growth.

Phu Tho currently has approximately 161,800 buffaloes, more than 247,300 cattle, nearly 1.82 million pigs, and over 37.5 million poultry. Every year, the livestock sector supplies nearly 471,000 tons of meat, 1.65 billion poultry eggs, and 62.3 million liters of fresh milk, making an important contribution to agricultural growth.

The province has 113 cooperatives, more than 5,300 farms, and 46 businesses investing in livestock production. Large-scale farms account for approximately 44% of the total pig herd, 33% of the poultry flock, and 14.1% of the cattle herd. It has established 80 production-processing-distribution linkages, providing stable outlets for products and increasing added value.

Many farmers have also been willing to expand production while improving product quality through organic-oriented and biosecure farming practices. The goal is to develop large-scale centralized livestock production.

Whereas many livestock farmers once relied primarily on experience, an increasing number of farms are now investing in smart management systems and automating multiple stages of production.

One notable example is the contract pig farm operated by Nguyen Van Hung for Mavin Group JSC in Thanh Thuy commune. The farm raises roughly 6,000 pigs for meat and 600 breeding sows, with the entire animal care process managed through an automated control system.

Using a smartphone, the farm owner can continuously monitor temperature, humidity, wind speed, gas concentrations inside the barns, and the operating status of equipment. If there is a power outage, temperatures exceed set limits, or equipment malfunctions, the system automatically sends an alert and activates backup measures.

Many farms across the province have also adopted biosecurity standards and herd management software to ensure traceability and control the entire process from breeding stock to distribution. Alongside expanding production, Phu Tho considers environmental protection a mandatory requirement for livestock development.

Most large-scale farms now invest in waste treatment systems such as biogas digesters, manure separators, biological bedding, and air filtration systems. Biogas is used to generate electricity or for household purposes. Many facilities reuse treated waste to produce organic fertilizer for crop production, creating circular production systems and significantly reducing the amount of waste released into the environment.

At the same time, local authorities are strengthening guidance for livestock farmers on biosecurity practices, the use of quality feed, responsible antibiotic use, the prohibition of banned substances, and strict disease prevention and control procedures. These measures are important for reducing the risk of water, soil, and air pollution while producing safe food that meets increasingly stringent market requirements.

"Farm-to-table" linkages become increasingly common thanks to the participation of businesses and cooperatives. These supply chains help control product quality from the input stage, improve traceability, and build consumer confidence.

To drive the transition, Phu Tho’s agriculture and environment sector continues advising local authorities on policies to support the application of science and technology and digital transformation in livestock farming, while encouraging circular, biosecure, and high-tech production models.

According to Bui Duy Linh, Deputy Director of the Phu Tho Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province aims to develop modern, biosecure, and environmentally friendly livestock production while encouraging farmers and businesses to invest in automation and digital transformation for herd management, disease control, and waste treatment.

The goal is not only to improve productivity and product quality but also to reduce emissions, use resources efficiently, and meet the requirements of green and sustainable agricultural development.

“The sector will continue to accelerate the transfer of scientific and technical advances, help livestock farmers access financing, expand partnerships with businesses and cooperatives, and establish closed-loop production chains to increase the added value and competitiveness of livestock products,” said Deputy Director Linh.

Despite achieving impressive numbers, Phu Tho's livestock sector still faces ample challenges, including climate change, disease risks, rising input costs, and increasingly stringent market requirements for product quality.

To achieve its sustainable development goals, the province will gradually reduce small-scale livestock production and raise the share of centralized farming to approximately 50-60% of the total livestock population. It will also strengthen management of breeding stock, food safety, traceability, and waste treatment throughout the production chain.

The development of circular livestock models, artificial intelligence, automation, and digital transformation will continue to be regarded as key solutions for increasing productivity, reducing costs, and protecting the environment.