Transforming through Resolution 57: [1] ‘Digital farms’ in the heart of a megacity

Following the administrative merger, Ho Chi Minh City has entered a new phase of development, with a population of more than 14 million and a target of welcoming around 40 million visitors annually. The pressure to ensure a stable supply of safe food for the country’s biggest megacity is therefore increasing.

Rapid urbanization comes with a price, so the city now struggles against climate change and rising production costs more than ever. Science, technology, and digital transformation are thus becoming key tools to help urban agriculture improve productivity, conserve resources, and develop sustainably.

Automation on every vegetable bed

Guided by Resolution 57-NQ/TW, technology, innovation, and digital data are expected to penetrate every field and farm, creating momentum for a modern, green, and sustainable urban agricultural sector.

One of Ho Chi Minh City’s leading high-tech agricultural models, Tuan Ngoc Agricultural Cooperative in Long Truong ward currently operates around 7,000 square meters of high-tech production facilities across Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Khanh Hoa, and Ninh Thuan. Within Ho Chi Minh City, its production sites are located in Long Truong, Chau Pha, and Cu Chi.

Inside the membrane house complexes, sensor systems begin operating early in the morning. Temperature, humidity, light levels, and nutrient concentrations are continuously updated on managers’ smartphones. Many processes, including misting, shading, ventilation, and temperature control, have been automated, replacing traditional manual methods.

“Just 1,000 square meters of high-tech hydroponic production can yield an average of 80 - 120 kilograms of vegetables per day, roughly five times higher than conventional cultivation. Achieving the same output through traditional farming would require between one and two hectares of land,” said Lam Ngoc Tuan, Director of Tuan Ngoc Agricultural Cooperative.

The cooperative actively applies science and technology, including soil pH monitoring, environmental sensors, automated irrigation systems, and digitalized farm management. This not only helps farmers better control cultivation processes, optimize costs, reduce risks, and improve yields, but also significantly cuts labor expenses. Previously, 1,000 square meters required about three full-time workers; today, sensors and automated control systems handle much of the workload.

To help farmers adopt advanced technologies, the cooperative is willing to share its production models, prioritizing hands-on training at operational sites over theory-heavy instruction. It also provides on-site technical support and guidance on using digital applications for production management via smartphones. The cooperative also plans to subsidize part of the initial investment costs, including materials, seedlings, and nutrients, helping farmers reduce financial pressure as they transition to high-tech farming.

Farming with technology

In Hung Long commune, My Nga Investment JSC recently launched the Plong Green Organic Farm hydroponic vegetable project on a 2,000-square-meter site. The entire process, from water supply and nutrient delivery to temperature control, is automated, enabling uniform plant growth and reducing pest and disease pressure.

According to Ngo Thanh Huy, manager of Plong Green Organic Farm, the company invested in membrane houses, ventilation fans, misting systems, and shading screens to adapt to the hot climate of southern Vietnam and maintain optimal growing conditions. Thanks to applying technology, the farm currently supplies 200 - 250 kilograms of clean vegetables daily and is expected to reach 500 - 600 kilograms per day once operating at full capacity.

Beyond boosting productivity, the model saves water, reduces labor requirements, and produces transparent, traceable agricultural products. The farm is now completing packaging and QR code systems to distribute products through supermarkets, schools, and large-scale retail channels.

Nguyen Hung Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Hung Long Commune Farmers’ Union, said many local households have adopted automated irrigation systems, sensors, timers, and mechanized farming equipment.

The locality is also promoting hydroponic vegetable production and farming under VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards to increase product value. At the same time, TikTok content creators are invited to train farmers in livestream sales and e-commerce marketing, helping them reduce dependence on traders and gain greater control over market access.

In the orchid sector, Viet Orchid Garden Agricultural Cooperative in Long Truong ward is gradually mastering the propagation of Dendrobium orchids through tissue-culture and breeding technologies in a small laboratory.

According to Lieu Thi Kim Phuong, Director of the Viet Orchid Garden Agricultural Cooperative, rather than relying on imported varieties, the cooperative conducts its own research, selection, and propagation of orchid lines tailored to market trends, including yellow and red “feng shui” varieties and rare striped-leaf mutations sought after by collectors.

Mastering tissue-culture technology not only increases the value of orchid production but also opens opportunities for high-tech agricultural development suited to small-scale urban farming.

Regarding support policies for high-tech agriculture under Resolution 57-NQ/TW, Lam Ngoc Tuan, Director of Tuan Ngoc Agricultural Cooperative, considers the policy as a positive step, but it requires clearer definitions of beneficiaries and support mechanisms to ensure resources reach the right targets. He suggests prioritizing support for pioneering cooperatives and organizations so they can continue guiding and assisting farmers, thereby generating more practical and widespread impacts.