Science and technology to drive high-value agricultural output, Minister says

On May 25, Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trinh Viet Hung, a member of the Party Central Committee, met with the Vietnam National University of Agriculture (VNUA) to hear presentations on research concepts and projects spanning high-tech agriculture, digital transformation, and the application of science and technology in modern agricultural production.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan, Director of VNUA, alongside the institution's leading scientists and senior officials from multiple specialized units under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

The session came as Vietnam's agricultural sector faces mounting pressure to overhaul its growth model, adapting to climate change, safeguarding food security, raising added value and strengthening competitiveness within global supply chains. Science and technology has been identified as the core driver of that transformation.

In his remarks, Minister Trinh Viet Hung underscored the guiding vision of General Secretary and President To Lam regarding the role of the agriculture and environment sector in the country's new phase of development. Under that framework, agriculture and the environment must become "the backbone of the economy and the foundation of livelihoods," with rural, agricultural and farmer development, the "tam nong" priorities, linked directly to national security, social stability and sustainable development.

The Minister argued that in a world of rapid change and intensifying strategic competition, agriculture can no longer be treated as a purely productive sector; it carries strategic significance for every nation. Vietnam, he said, must build a modern, self-reliant, green and highly adaptive agricultural industry.

Commending the research achievements of VNUA scientists and the broader agriculture and environment community, Minister Trinh stressed that science and technology, innovation and digital transformation must become the pivotal forces steering the sector toward added value, advanced technology and long-term sustainability.

Scientists, he said, need to serve as the backbone of research efforts, mastering technology, developing high-quality crop varieties and livestock breeds, and designing smart production processes that conserve resources, cut emissions and raise labor productivity. Critically, Vietnam must achieve self-sufficiency in technology, seeds, data and production processes, eliminating dependence on foreign sources in the core areas of its agricultural system.

Minister Trinh expressed confidence that the scientific community would continue to embody a spirit of innovation, commitment and aspiration to contribute, channeling their research toward products of high commercial value that improve people's lives and make a direct contribution to the nation's economic development.

During the session, VNUA researchers presented a broad range of research ideas and projects covering high-tech agriculture, artificial intelligence applications, biotechnology, production automation, resource management and climate change adaptation. Many of the proposals were assessed as highly applicable and well aligned with the demands of building a modern agricultural sector in the period ahead.