Transforming through Resolution 57: [2] Businesses lead the way

As agricultural transformation accelerates under the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW, businesses are playing an increasingly important role in introducing new technologies into production and reshaping farmers’ approaches to agriculture.

Technology is changing the way farming is done

In Phuoc Thanh commune (Ho Chi Minh City), banana plantations of U&I Agriculture Corporation (Unifarm) are managed using automated irrigation systems that are connected to weather and soil moisture data. IoT technology is gradually replacing cultivation methods that rely heavily on experience.

“The company embraced high-tech agriculture at a very early stage. In 2009, when digital agriculture was still relatively new in Vietnam, Unifarm spent around USD 10,000 per month to bring Israeli experts to Vietnam for technology transfer and technical training,” said Pham Quoc Liem, Chairman of the Board and General Director of Unifarm.

Building on that foundation, high-tech melon, tomato, and chili production models were rapidly developed for both domestic consumption and export. The company later identified bananas as a strategic crop. From an initial few hundred hectares, Unifarm has expanded its cultivation area to more than 1,000 hectares and built the Dole banana brand for export to Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, and the Middle East.

This company is currently piloting an organic banana model in high-tech greenhouses, using biological products instead of chemical fertilizers and crop-protection chemicals. Initial results show stable plant growth, reduced pest pressure, and more uniform, safer fruit.

According to Chairman Liem, the company’s objective is not only to expand production but also to contribute to the sustainable development of Vietnamese agriculture, improve farmers’ incomes, and provide high-quality products for consumers.

“Technology helps reduce costs, stabilize product quality, and improve competitiveness in demanding export markets,” he said.

Rather than growing independently, Unifarm is gradually integrating farmers into modern production chains through partnerships and technology transfer. The company supports cooperatives and farming households by providing tissue-cultured banana seedlings, automated irrigation systems, biological fertilizers, and microbial preparations. It also collaborates with growers to establish VietGAP- and GlobalGAP-certified production areas that enhance agricultural value.

Unifarm currently manages more than 1,200 hectares of farms directly and partners with cooperatives and farmers on an additional 500 hectares. The entire production chain is managed through GESO ERP software, enabling full traceability.

According to many participating farmers, the greatest benefit is more stable market access compared to independent production. When businesses organize production and connect farmers to markets, growers face significantly lower risks related to pricing and sales.

Indigenous microorganisms and the challenge of soil health

Bài liên quan

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

As pressure grows to reduce emissions, protect the environment, and improve agricultural quality, an increasing number of businesses are investing in biotechnology as a strategic pathway toward sustainable agriculture.

Instead of relying heavily on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, companies are focusing on the research of beneficial microorganisms, probiotics, and biological products. The ultimate goal is to restore soil health, strengthen plant and animal resilience, and reduce environmental impacts.

This trend not only creates opportunities for a “greener” agriculture but also contributes to safer value chains and improves the competitiveness of Vietnamese agricultural products in domestic and international markets.

Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Director of Probiotics Biotechnology Co., Ltd., believes microbial technology is becoming an essential requirement for modern agriculture. “Soil health remains insufficiently addressed, leading to rapid soil degradation in many farming areas. Balancing soil microbial ecosystems not only improves soil quality but also enhances the resilience of crops and livestock while helping production systems adapt more effectively to climate change,” she said.

Probiotics is currently focusing on developing soil-restoration solutions using high-density microbial technology while designing tailored approaches for different soil types to address specific agricultural challenges. The microbial strains developed by the company can survive under harsh conditions, tolerating pH levels from 2 to 12 and temperatures of up to 90°C.

According to Van Anh, mastering microbial technology within Vietnam is particularly important because indigenous microbial strains are better adapted to local climate and soil conditions than imported products.

Following its “Made in Viet Nam – Made by Vietnamese” strategy, the company plans to build three high-density probiotic production plants across northern, central, and southern Vietnam during 2026-2028, gradually localizing the microbial biotechnology industry.

Probiotics has also developed a digital platform that allows users to scan QR codes to verify product origins, monitor performance, and update data in real time, contributing to digital transformation and traceability in agriculture.

*USD 1 = VND 26,398. Source: Vietcombank.