Science and tech pave the way for green agriculture in HCMC

With a broader development footprint, the city’s agricultural sector now has significant opportunities to restructure toward a modern, environmentally sustainable and higher-value model. As agricultural land continues to shrink while demand for high-quality food steadily rises, science and technology, innovation and sustainable production models are increasingly viewed as the key drivers of efficiency in urban agriculture.

According to Vo Thanh Giau, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment, agriculture accounts for only about 1.68% of the city’s GRDP, yet contributes roughly VND 50.05 trillion to the economy. The sector therefore continues to play an important role, particularly in ensuring food security and food supply.

Following the administrative merger, Ho Chi Minh City now covers 677,259 hectares, of which approximately 428,645 hectares, or 63.3%, are agricultural land. However, rapid urbanization and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns are placing growing pressure on agricultural production. In this context, traditional farming faces mounting challenges, forcing the city’s agricultural sector to adapt through high-tech agriculture, green farming models including circular, organic and ecological agriculture, and digital transformation to increase production value.

This deeper development strategy requires the application of science and technology. As a result, technological innovation is playing a central role in improving agricultural productivity and value through the use of high-tech systems, biotechnology and digital technologies.

Giau said Ho Chi Minh City’s agricultural sector has achieved notable progress in recent years in high-tech applications, digital transformation and innovation.

In crop cultivation, the city currently has 692 high-tech agricultural facilities covering 18,432 hectares. Another 24 facilities covering 248 hectares have received organic certification. Two high-tech agricultural zones have also been officially certified. VietGAP-certified farming areas now total 20,352 hectares, producing more than 365,329 tons annually. The city has additionally issued 131 planting area codes and 61 packing facility codes for export markets, covering a total area of 344,725 hectares.

Livestock farms across the city are increasingly deploying closed farming systems, environmental monitoring sensors, digital herd management and biogas waste treatment technologies.

In animal husbandry, Ho Chi Minh City has 797 pig, cattle and poultry farms applying high technology, with a combined herd of approximately 14.5 million animals. Technologies in use include selective breeding, mechanized milking systems, herd-monitoring sensors, microclimate control systems, smart ventilation and misting systems, vaccines, total mixed ration feeding systems, biogas treatment and GIS applications. Currently, 74 facilities have obtained VietGAHP certification, representing more than 1.66 million animals.

In aquaculture, 171 brackish-water shrimp farms are applying high technology across 173 hectares, alongside two high-tech aquatic breeding facilities covering 12 hectares. Key technologies include two-stage shrimp farming, closed recirculating systems, digital environmental monitoring and automated feeding systems. The ornamental fish sector alone produced 250.8 million fish, up 4.2%, while exports reached 13.9 million fish worth USD 15.39 million.

The city is also accelerating the development of green and sustainable agriculture through wider application of science and technology in both production and management to reduce emissions, improve resource efficiency and increase the value of agricultural products. The focus is on high-tech and smart agriculture models using greenhouses, net houses, water-saving irrigation systems, automation and environmental monitoring sensors. These solutions help reduce water use, fertilizer consumption and pesticide application while improving productivity.

At the same time, the agricultural sector is expanding the use of biotechnology in breeding programs, biological products and organic fertilizers to gradually reduce dependence on chemicals.

The city is also promoting circular agriculture models that reuse crop byproducts and livestock waste to produce organic fertilizer or bioenergy.

Digital transformation in agriculture, including traceability systems and digital production management, is also being accelerated, contributing to more effective governance and supporting the development of a modern and sustainable urban agricultural sector.

The strong adoption of science and technology is increasingly becoming a major driving force behind Ho Chi Minh City’s transition toward green growth, higher added value and sustainable agricultural development.

The city is also intensifying research and breeding programs for new crop varieties and livestock breeds with higher yields and improved quality to meet growing urban market demand.

Giau said Ho Chi Minh City views the circular economy as a critical pillar in its transition toward green, modern and sustainable agriculture. The city aims to use resources more efficiently, minimize waste, recycle agricultural byproducts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Its broader ambition is to gradually establish circular agricultural value chains in which the byproducts of one sector become inputs for another. This model not only reduces production costs and environmental pollution but also creates higher-value products aligned with the direction of modern urban agriculture.

Organic farming has also been identified as a key component of the city’s urban agriculture strategy. Ho Chi Minh City has introduced a range of targeted policies and action programs to support farmers and businesses transitioning to organic production.

These initiatives are integrated into major programs such as the Urban Agriculture Development Program, the 2020-2030 Seed and High-Tech Agriculture Development Program, the Circular Agriculture Development Plan for Livestock Farming through 2030, the 2026-2030 OCOP Program, and projects related to biotechnology and circular economy development in agriculture.

In addition, city authorities have instructed departments and agencies to strengthen trade promotion efforts, support brand development and facilitate participation by organizations and individuals in trade fairs, exhibitions and safe agricultural product markets to promote organic products and expand consumer markets.

Closed-loop, high-tech shrimp farming models based on circular production systems are also being expanded across the city.

Over the next five to 10 years, urbanization, climate change and environmental pollution are expected to continue affecting agricultural production. However, city officials believe this period also presents a major opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to accelerate growth if it can effectively implement science and technology programs, circular economy initiatives and green agriculture strategies.

The city’s agricultural sector is expected to continue developing along high-tech lines with stronger applications of science and technology, digital transformation, circular agriculture, organic farming and ecological production models. Ho Chi Minh City will focus on key high-value agricultural products aimed at both domestic consumption and export markets.

“Circular economy models are expected to become an important direction, especially in a large urban environment,” Giau said. “Making use of agricultural byproducts, livestock waste and organic waste will not only reduce environmental pressure but also generate high economic value per unit of land.

“We believe that with this orientation, Ho Chi Minh City’s agricultural sector will become not only more efficient and sustainable but will also gradually establish itself as a center for high-tech agricultural innovation in southern Vietnam.”