Using market thinking to advance science and technology in agriculture

Models with sophisticated technology boosts economic efficiency by 10-30 percent

Previously, on June 25, 2021, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and MARD signed a Program of Coordination of Scientific and Technological Activities for the years 2021–2030.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Ninh, Deputy Head of the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment (MARD), addressed the conference and commented on some notable outcomes of the two ministries' collaboration.

According to Mr. Ninh, throughout the execution of the coordination program, they got strong advice and attention from the Ministers of both ministries and their leaders, as well as tight and timely coordination and assistance from the units within both ministries.

The two ministries have worked closely to improve policy procedures and legal texts. There has been tight and timely cooperation in the development and implementation of science and technology (S&T) initiatives, as well as important task clusters to satisfy the agricultural sector's practical needs.

Furthermore, the cooperation program has timely directed the development of plans; despite a reduction in the state budget allotted for S&T, emphasis has been given to providing money for authorized S&T operations in the agricultural sector.

Both sides have also worked closely together on intellectual property issues, quality assessment, and the agricultural standardization system, which has steadily been augmented, enhanced, and adapted to international standards.

Between 2021 and 2023, 141 new varieties, 83 new technological developments, 21 patents, and beneficial solutions were acknowledged; 245 new national standards were published, and 21 new national standards were issued. Crop varieties, livestock, processes, and so on have been transferred and applied to agricultural production; many models using advanced technology have increased economic efficiency by 10-30%, contributing to changing farming practices and habits, increasing productivity, and improving the sector's economic efficiency.

However, a MARD spokesman said that there are still some barriers to the coordination and implementation process. In the future, MOST will include revisions to the 2013 S&T Law and the guiding decree of the 2013 S&T Law, while MARD will collaborate to adapt the laws to the current circumstances, amending Decree 70 on the management of S&T goods.

In terms of standardization work and quality measurement, it is suggested that MOST reduce the time it takes to appraise standards, rules, and publications; and coordinate the linkage of the agricultural origin traceability system with the national origin traceability system.

National-level S&T projects need constant, uninterrupted research to produce final products for transfer and implementation in production.

The heads of the Department of Science, Technology, and Environment also requested that MOST provide recommendations for organizing and improving the S&T Laboratory Council, as well as rules for the laboratory system's functioning...

Mr. Nguyen Phu Hung, Director of the Department of Science and Technology of the Economic and Technical Sectors, said that the two ministries worked closely together on the coordinated program to execute the creation of legal normative documents. MOST is actively involved in MARD's activities, including the Water Source Security Program and the Southwest Program.

Establishing frameworks for joint ventures and partnerships in science and technology

Concerning the coordination between the two ministries, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan proposed that the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) support and cooperate in organizing forums and pilot exhibitions of agricultural S&T products with the participation of institutes, universities, cooperatives, etc., to introduce new scientific and technological achievements as well as to connect supply and demand, evaluate consumer feedback on agric

Furthermore, Minister Le Minh Hoan proposed that both parties agree on a common voice and coordination framework for S&T joint venture and partnership models in order to minimize scientific brain drain and successfully integrate S&T goods into agricultural output.

The Minister requested that organizations, departments, and bureaus under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) solicit feedback and swiftly engage in new science and technology projects.

In terms of business and cooperation, it is required to research and provide ways to overcome hurdles and develop this mechanism for the widespread application of S&T and the use of social resources in agriculture.

Minister Le Minh Hoan underlined the need to infuse market-oriented thinking into agricultural science and technology development.

Minister of Science and Technology Huynh Thanh Dat suggested that the two ministries continue to work effectively together to implement Government resolutions on the development and application of S&T; he hopes that MARD will mobilize scientists in the field to actively participate in S&T programs actively, thereby improving the application of research in agriculture. Minister Huynh Thanh Dat also supports Minister Le Minh Hoan's plan to hold conferences and pilot exhibits of agricultural science and technology goods soon.