Modern machinery transforms agriculture

In today’s fields, the image of mud-working farmers is slowly being replaced by the sound of tractors, harvesters, and even drones spraying crops.

Tran Van Tron, 60, of Phu Vinh commune, operates machinery used in agricultural production.

From mechanization to the application of digital technology, agriculture is undergoing significant changes, reducing labor needs, improving productivity, and gradually building prosperity on the land.

Modern-day farmers

On a morning at the start of a new season, the steady hum of tractors echoes across the rice fields of Phu Vinh commune, replacing the long-familiar scene of farmers scrambling to hire labor for land preparation. The soil is quickly leveled, preparing the land for a new crop.

Standing beside his family’s dozens of hectares of rice fields, Tran Van Tron (60, in Phu Vinh commune) expresses satisfaction as he watches the machines operating smoothly. For him, mechanization is not merely a trend but has become a companion over many years of farming. His family’s warehouse contains more than 10 types of agricultural machinery, all neatly arranged. The systematic investment covers everything from tractors, combine harvesters, and straw balers to field-care equipment.

Many years ago, during each season, the Tron family had to mobilize a large workforce for land preparation, sowing, and harvesting. This practice was not only costly but also made production schedules dependent on the availability of manual labor. As a result, Tron boldly invested in machinery, gradually replacing manual labor. Today, mechanization dominates nearly all stages of production on his family's rice fields. From land preparation and sowing to harvesting, machines perform the work. Consequently, labor productivity has risen significantly while costs have fallen sharply.

Farmers in Xuan Dinh commune use drones for spraying pesticides in their orchards. Photo: Lo Van Hop

In addition to serving his own production activities, the machinery system has enabled Tron to develop agricultural services for other households in the area. Each season, his family’s tractors and harvesters operate continuously across various fields, providing a stable income.

While mechanization transforms traditional farming methods, farmers increasingly integrate digital technology into their practices. In recent years, residents of Thanh Son commune have become accustomed to seeing agricultural drones (UAVs) operating regularly over the fields. Within just a few hours, dozens of hectares of rice can be sprayed or fertilized, a task that previously took several days.

Nguyen Thanh Hung, Director of the Bau Kien Agricultural Service Cooperative (Thanh Son commune), said that after studying modern farming models, and in addition to the machinery he had previously purchased, he decided to invest in agricultural UAVs in 2024. Since adopting this technology, concerns about labor shortages have nearly disappeared. Now, workers can complete tasks like fertilizing and spraying more quickly and accurately. Workers no longer need to come into direct contact with chemicals, thereby better protecting their health.

“Previously, spraying or fertilizing was very labor-intensive, especially during hot weather. Now, with the support of UAVs, the work has become much easier. The distribution of pesticides and fertilizers is also more uniform, contributing to greater production efficiency,” Hung said.

Supporting farmers in accessing mechanization and technology

According to Nguyen Cong Quan, Chairman of the Phu Vinh Commune Farmers’ Association, mechanization has become an inevitable trend in local agricultural production over the past few years. Many households have boldly invested in modern machinery, gradually transforming traditional production methods. “Farmers today are adopting more professional production methods and utilizing large-scale machinery systems, contributing to improved production efficiency, reduced costs, and increased income. The Tran Van Tron family has been among the pioneers in mechanization for many years, achieving highly positive results,” said Quan.

The Bau Kien Agricultural Service Cooperative (Thanh Son commune) uses drones in agricultural production.

According to Quan, not every farming household has the financial capacity to invest in a comprehensive and modern machinery system. Therefore, the locality will continue to promote awareness campaigns and introduce effective models for farmers to visit and learn from. At the same time, strengthening farmer cooperation is considered an important solution to help more farmers access mechanization at lower costs.

Beyond mechanization, relevant authorities are also promoting the application of science and technology, as well as digital transformation, in agriculture.

Nguyen Thanh Hien, Vice Chairwoman in charge of the Dong Nai Cooperative Alliance, said that in recent times, the alliance has coordinated with departments and sectors to implement a range of programs to help cooperatives improve their production and business capacity. It has also helped cooperatives gain access to programs for the transfer of science and technology in cultivation, livestock production, and aquaculture.

In addition, many cooperatives have been enabled to participate in programs supporting technological innovation and improving competitiveness in the context of integration. In particular, support for access to preferential capital sources is creating favorable conditions for farmers and cooperatives to invest more confidently in modern machinery and equipment, gradually bringing technology into production.

According to Hien, in the coming period, the Dong Nai Cooperative Alliance will continue to support the collective economic sector toward effective and sustainable development. The focus will be on promoting the application of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation in agricultural production.

From the rice fields of Phu Vinh to the technology-based production models in Thanh Son commune, the picture of modern agriculture is becoming increasingly evident. As farmers continue to embrace innovation, together with support from authorities, mechanization and technology will remain important drivers, contributing to the development of a modern, efficient, and sustainable agricultural sector in the future.

By To Tam – Translated by Minh Hong, Minho