Policies paving the way for high-tech agriculture

On August 28, the Phu Giao Commune People’s Committee in Ho Chi Minh City held a 2026 direct dialogue between local authorities and residents, focusing on “Developing high-tech agriculture in association with digital transformation and product market linkages.”

The conference focused on addressing challenges in developing high-tech agriculture alongside digital transformation and stronger linkages for product sales.

It also provided an opportunity for local authorities, specialized agencies, farmers, cooperatives, and businesses to directly discuss production development orientations, support policies, and practical issues emerging from the field.

At the conference, delegates were introduced to effective production models in the area and briefed on programs for high-tech agriculture development and production support services, including agricultural extension, plant protection, the establishment of growing-area codes, digital transformation, and connections with agricultural product markets.

Bui Thi Huong Thao from the Department of Science and Technology under the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment, presented a range of policies and programs currently being implemented to support farmers in developing modern and sustainable production.

Accordingly, Ho Chi Minh City is orienting its agricultural sector toward a multi-value approach, focusing not only on commodity production but also on increasing added value through processing, preservation, brand development, product storytelling, and integration with tourism. Organic, circular, and ecological agriculture have also been identified as key development directions.

“High-tech agriculture is identified as a solution that leverages advances in science and technology to produce high-quality products and improve economic efficiency. Digital transformation is being promoted across production, management, business and trade, as well as public administration, data digitalization, and the provision of support and forecasting services,” Thao said.

Notably, the new agricultural extension policy expands support for models applying high technologies, green, clean, digital and biotechnology; as well as green, ecological, circular and organic agriculture, resource-efficient production, emissions reduction, and climate change adaptation.

Under Decree No. 268/2026/ND-CP on agricultural extension, demonstration models applying new technical advances may receive support of up to 50% of the total cost of establishing the model, while replication models may receive support of up to 60%. Costs for training, capacity building, communication, and consulting and training to obtain certifications, growing-area codes, traceability systems, and geographical indications may be fully supported, in accordance with regulations.

In addition, the policies aim to develop raw material growing areas, strengthen value-chain linkages, promote OCOP and VietGAP products, and expand traceability and growing-area coding. These are important foundations for improving agricultural product quality and enhancing market access.

At the conference, many farmers, cooperatives, and businesses openly raised difficulties and challenges encountered during production and proposed additional support measures from local authorities and specialized agencies.

One issue of particular concern was carbon credits. Farmers also called for more in-person training courses to make it easier to access scientific and technical knowledge and ensure that guidance is better aligned with actual production conditions.

Access to finance was another key concern, with farmers seeking better access to bank loans to invest in and expand production. They also proposed stronger guidance on digital transformation and greater support to connect producers with markets and establish linkages for agricultural product sales.

These recommendations show that producers today need more than support with seeds, inputs, or technical assistance. Farmers need a comprehensive support ecosystem covering technology, finance, digital transformation, quality standards, traceability, and market access.

Under the development orientation outlined at the conference, commune-level authorities are expected to play a more direct role in implementing agricultural extension programs. Commune-level People’s Committees may approve three- to five-year agricultural extension projects, as well as regular or ad hoc agricultural extension tasks, based on the city’s agricultural extension programs, agricultural development orientations, and the actual needs and conditions of their localities.

This also provides a basis for turning residents' recommendations in Phu Giao into specific support programs better tailored to individual production areas and target groups.

Concluding the conference, Vu Hai Ly, Chairman of the Phu Giao Commune People’s Committee, acknowledged and highly appreciated the thoughtful and responsible contributions from residents, cooperatives, and businesses.

“Specialized agencies should continue to accompany and guide residents in applying science and technology, accelerating digital transformation, improving agricultural product quality, and strengthening production and market linkages,” Ly said.

According to Ly, support for local producers should aim to build a sustainable and efficient agricultural sector in Phu Giao, with science and technology, digital transformation, and market linkages as key drivers of increased production value.

As the policy framework is further refined and more specific support needs emerge from the grassroots, Phu Giao is better positioned to develop high-tech agricultural models that not only increase productivity but also improve product quality, value, and market competitiveness.