Resolution 57 envisions new path for modern agriculture

Resolution 57 of the Politburo is regarded as a “guiding compass” for making science, technology, and innovation key driving forces for the Viet Nam's sustainable development. For Tay Ninh, a province with strong agricultural potential, the resolution opens a new direction in the transition from traditional production to knowledge-based, technology-driven, and digital agriculture.

Mr. Vo Minh Thanh, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Tay Ninh Province, shared his views with the Viet Nam Agriculture and Environment Newspaper.

How do you assess the significance of Resolution 57 for Tay Ninh’s agricultural sector?

Resolution 57 marks a significant turning point, clearly orienting the shift from traditional agriculture toward knowledge-based, technology-driven, and digital agriculture. This is not merely a technical transformation but a comprehensive change in development thinking: from “increasing output” to “increasing value,” and from “reliance on nature” to “proactive production based on knowledge and technology”.

The resolution provides a critical legal framework to promote cooperation among the “four stakeholders”: the State, scientists, businesses, and farmers, thereby forming an innovation ecosystem in agriculture. When knowledge and technology are brought into production, farmers are no longer mere laborers but become central actors in the digital transformation process. In particular, science and technology help enhance climate change adaptation, not only boosting productivity but also reducing emissions, reusing by-products, and developing circular, environmentally friendly agriculture aligned with the orientation toward a “green economy and sustainable development”.

In addition, fields such as biotechnology, automation, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being encouraged for application in production, processing, traceability, and consumption. This represents a revolutionary shift that helps reduce production costs, increase productivity, enhance quality, and improve the competitiveness of agricultural products.

Tay Ninh has many favorable conditions to realize the spirit of Resolution 57. Could you elaborate on these advantages?

Tay Ninh is naturally endowed with fertile land, highly suitable for food crops, vegetables, fruit trees, industrial crops, and large-scale livestock farming. From a traditional agricultural base, the province has continuously innovated toward a green, modern, and sustainable agricultural model, in which product quality, environmental sustainability, and public health are prioritized.

Dau Tieng Lake, the largest irrigation facility in Viet Nam, ensures a stable year-round water supply, providing a solid foundation for agricultural production. The province also occupies a strategic gateway position, bordering Cambodia and conveniently connecting with Ho Chi Minh City and the Southern Key Economic Region, which opens up significant opportunities for agricultural processing and exports.

Administrative restructuring has created a broader agricultural development space, enabling the planning of large-scale specialized production zones by combining the strengths of former localities (including major rice-growing areas in the Dong Thap Muoi region and zones for fruit trees, industrial crops, and high-value livestock).

With more than 600,000 hectares of agricultural land, Tay Ninh is strongly promoting high-tech agriculture, focusing on the transfer of scientific and technical knowledge for key crops such as rice, sugar apple, seedless lime, dragon fruit, rubber, and sugarcane. At the same time, it is developing large-scale, modern livestock farming and aquaculture.

Tay Ninh currently leads the southern region in high-tech livestock development, with numerous large-scale meat and dairy processing and export complexes for poultry, beef, and milk. The province is also a pioneer in applying digital technology to crop production, establishing numerous production zones that meet VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic standards, thereby promoting green and sustainable agriculture.

To date, agricultural products from Tay Ninh have been exported to more than 40 international markets, affirming the province’s reputation and brand value. Notably, a chain of 12 high-tech agricultural projects, implemented by the De Heus Group (Netherlands) and Hung Nhon Group, has created a significant highlight, forming a closed ecosystem that spans raw material zones, breeding, farming, processing, and export. This model helps standardize production processes and enhance the competitiveness of Tay Ninh’s livestock sector.

Resolution 57 also requires a shift from “administrative management” to “smart governance”. What preparations has Tay Ninh made to keep pace with this spirit?

Tay Ninh has set a target that by 2030, the digital economy will account for 30% of GRDP, the digital transformation index (DTI) will rank among the top 10 nationwide, and at least 3% of the annual budget will be allocated to science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Specifically for the agricultural sector, the Department of Agriculture and Environment has issued a concrete action plan to implement Resolution 57. The objective is to enhance capacity and competitiveness, promote innovation, and thereby increase productivity, quality, and added value in agriculture and the environment. The province aims to build a modern, transparent, and digital government, economy, and society, providing comprehensive online public services. At the same time, it focuses on developing high-quality human resources and digital skills for officials and civil servants. By 2025, the target is for 100% of officials to be trained in basic digital skills, 80% to master digital technologies in management and operations, and 60% of sectoral data to be integrated and shared through the data interoperability platform.

To realize comprehensive digital transformation, the agricultural and environmental sector is implementing several key groups of tasks. First is raising awareness and strengthening political determination by enhancing communication, training, and launching the “Digital Mass Education” movement across the entire system, enabling officials and workers to master technology. Digital transformation efforts are also linked with emulation and commendation activities to create widespread momentum.

At the same time, the province is working to improve institutional frameworks and flexible financial mechanisms, simplify administrative procedures, and cut unnecessary processes to create the most favorable environment for people and businesses to access and apply science and technology. Another priority is investing in digital infrastructure and sectoral databases. Tay Ninh is developing and updating its land, natural resource, and environmental data systems while applying modern technologies, such as AI and IoT, in disaster forecasting, climate change monitoring, and more efficient resource management.

In parallel, Tay Ninh in general, and the agriculture and environment sector in particular, place strong emphasis on developing science and technology human resources to ensure a solid foundation for sustainable digital transformation. The province also encourages businesses to innovate and boldly apply high technologies in smart agriculture, e-commerce, and digital branding for local agricultural products, thereby expanding participation in global supply chains.

Finally, Tay Ninh is promoting international cooperation and regional linkages, especially with Ho Chi Minh City and major domestic and international technology enterprises, to share experience, access new knowledge, and create strong momentum for digital transformation in the agricultural sector.

With strong determination, a clear roadmap, and coordinated efforts across all levels and sectors, I firmly believe that Tay Ninh will soon become a pioneer in high-tech agriculture, developing toward a modern, green, sustainable, and internationally integrated future.

Thank you so much for your sharing!