Applying digital technology to agricultural production

In recent years, Dong Nai province’s agricultural sector has consistently prioritized the application of digital data platforms and product traceability systems. From the very beginning, local enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers have actively embraced technological solutions in agricultural production.

A consumer scans a QR code with a smartphone to learn about local farm produce. Photo: Binh Nguyen

The Politburo’s Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, dated December 22, 2024 on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation, is regarded as an important foundation and driving force. It creates opportunities for enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers to take an active role and master advanced technologies. This, in turn, contributes to the successful realization of the goal of industrializing and modernizing agriculture and rural areas.

The agriculture sector leads in digital transformation

Following the provincial merger, Dong Nai has further strengthened its potential to attract high-tech investments in both livestock and crop production.

Nguyen Van Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, shared that in the context of the nation’s strong push to implement Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, Dong Nai’s agriculture and environment sector has identified digital transformation as a strategic pillar, a breakthrough solution, and a key driving force for developing modern, ecological, and sustainable agriculture.

To date, the agricultural sector has achieved significant initial results in digital transformation. Specifically, awareness and mindset regarding digital transformation have markedly improved across the entire industry. Information technology and data infrastructure have been invested in a more synchronized, centralized manner, with the rollout of key components such as the Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure, land, crop and environmental databases, and an electronic management information system. The provincial agriculture and environment sector has also promoted administrative reforms and online public services, and strengthened the application of science, technology, and innovation in production, environmental monitoring, forest protection, pest surveillance, plantation data management, and packaging facilities. The sector ensures cybersecurity and digital data safety, gradually building a platform for a modern, intelligent, and interconnected management model among provincial government agencies.

Sharing the same perspective, Nguyen Thanh Phong, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Technology, highlighted that Dong Nai holds significant potential in agriculture. However, the local agricultural sector still faces many challenges, including climate change, labor shortages, low production efficiency, and resource waste. According to data from the agricultural sector, crop yields in the province reach only 70-80% of their potential due to the limited use of advanced technology and the lack of coordinated digital data. In the context of national digital transformation, integrating science and technology with digital transformation has become a key driver, helping to boost productivity, reduce costs, and enhance the value of agricultural products.

For the 2025–2026 period, the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Nai province has outlined key tasks, including: completing investment in information technology infrastructure for the agricultural and environmental sector; building comprehensive databases for crop production and environmental management; implementing crop mapping and mobile applications for data access; establishing early forest-fire detection camera systems, automated pest monitoring stations, and intelligent environmental alert systems; as well as applying artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze environmental monitoring data.

Supporting farmers in digital transformation

Supporting enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers in applying digital transformation is one of the priorities of the agricultural sector as well as the Farmers’ Association of Dong Nai Province.

Recently, the Dong Nai Farmers’ Association and FPT Polytechnic College (located in Tam Hiep ward) signed a cooperation agreement to provide training and enhance digital skills for its members and farmers, offer consultation services, and implement digital transformation solutions in production. The agreement also aims to coordinate communication and trade promotion for OCOP products and key agricultural products of the province. In particular, the partnership supports enterprises, cooperatives, and farmers in trade promotion and participation in selling agricultural products on e-commerce platforms and social media.

Master Tran Duy Phong, Director of FPT Polytechnic College, noted that in 2024, about 30% of agricultural enterprises in Vietnam applied one or more digital technologies in production, while around 10% of farming exporters utilized blockchain. E-commerce plays a crucial role in the digital transformation of the agricultural sector. Digital transformation in agriculture is not only a matter of technology but also a matter of people, knowledge, and connectivity. FPT Polytechnic College is committed to supporting sustainable digital transformation in agriculture and working alongside Dong Nai Province and local enterprises to bring digital transformation closer to farmers, cooperatives, and agricultural businesses. The college places particular emphasis on implementing a Training–Practice–Support Program for agricultural digital transformation.

Nguyen Huu Nguyen, Provincial Party Committee member, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Dong Nai province, and President of the Dong Nai Farmers’ Association, shared that in the context of deep integration and globalization, the application of digital technologies, advanced technologies, and smart technologies is not only an inevitable trend but also a matter of survival for Dong Nai’s agriculture to increase productivity, improve product quality, and overcome stringent trade barriers. The Farmers’ Associations at all levels are committed to guiding farmers and cooperatives on digital transformation in agriculture, introducing digital platforms for production management and product traceability, and providing digital transformation solutions to enhance operational efficiency for agricultural enterprises, cooperatives, and production-business establishments involved in the agricultural field. These associations will serve as a bridge, allowing their members, farmers, and cooperatives to access opportunities in information exchange fully, experience sharing, partner engagement, and cooperation agreements, thereby contributing to generating new breakthroughs in Dong Nai’s digital agriculture.

According to Nguyen Van Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, digital transformation is not only an inevitable trend but also a key driving force for the province’s agricultural and environmental sector to achieve breakthroughs, modern development, integration, and sustainability. With a spirit of innovative thinking and decisive action, and taking the effectiveness of serving citizens and enterprises as a benchmark, Dong Nai’s agricultural and environmental sector is determined to build a modern, sustainable agricultural system that comprehensively applies high technology and digital transformation, contributing to increased productivity, quality, and value of the province’s agricultural products.

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by Hong Van, Thu Ha