South Korean technology takes root in Vietnamese fields

On March 23, Madam Song Miryung, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, visited the Vietnam-Korea Smart Farm in Vinh Quynh Commune, Thanh Tri District, Hanoi.

Located within the experimental and demonstration area of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS), the smart farm serves as a key highlight of agricultural and environmental science research cooperation between the two countries.

Launched in December 2021 and completed six months later, the project encompasses a production area and an operating house spanning over 1.2 hectares. As a smart farm model utilizing Korean technology, it is equipped with advanced systems, including plant shelves, irrigation, air conditioning, and automated fertilization.

All materials, equipment, machinery, and tools were imported from Korea, and Korean experts traveled to Vietnam to oversee installation and provide operational training.

To protect hydroponic strawberries during the ripening stage, insect traps have been strategically installed.

After more than three years of operation, experts from the Korea Agricultural Technology Development Agency (KOAT), in collaboration with VAAS, have tested high-tech production processes for valuable crops such as tomatoes, melons, and strawberries. These efforts aim to meet the demands of both domestic and export markets.

Minister Song Miryung expressed her delight at the initial success of the cooperation. She believes that the standard demonstration model will encourage more farmers, progressive cooperatives, and agricultural enterprises to invest in high-tech farming.

The head of MAFRA noted that countries worldwide are striving to transition toward smart agriculture. She emphasized that integrating advanced technology and modern equipment will not only enhance crop yield and productivity but also support sustainable production and adaptation to climate change.

Previously, Minister Song Miryung worked with the leaders of the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences (VAAS) on future cooperation directions. Prof. Nguyen Hong Son - President of VAAS - thanked the Korean Government for its support in developing agricultural and environmental science in Vietnam.

He affirmed that the Vietnam-Korea Smart Farm is not only a demonstration site for high-tech models, but also contributes to promoting high-value fruits that are popular with Korean consumers. In this way, scientific research has participated in promoting the bilateral agricultural market.

“Korea and Vietnam have the same starting point in traditional agriculture. Our two countries have built a sustainable cooperative relationship towards innovating and modernizing the agrifood sector. MAFRA will always accompany and be a solid launching pad for cooperation between the Vietnamese and Korean scientific communities,” Ms. Song Miryung pledged.

On this occasion, Minister Song Miryung witnessed the commitment to cooperation between the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences and the Korea Agricultural Technology Promotion Agency (KOAT).