Agricultural mechanization helps farmers adapt to climate change

Agricultural production is facing growing challenges from drought, saltwater intrusion, labor shortages, and rising input costs. In response, agricultural mechanization is being accelerated through modern technologies, digital transformation, and scientific innovation, helping improve productivity, competitiveness, and resilience to climate change.

Trinh Dang Khoi Co., Ltd. in Tan An Commune invests in end-to-end mechanization spanning livestock farming, egg collection, and processing.

Across Dong Nai City, mechanization has been introduced on an increasingly broad scale.

Boosting crop and livestock production

In crop farming, mechanization has been adopted at nearly every stage of production, from land preparation and cultivation to irrigation and harvesting. Water-saving irrigation systems, fertigation through pipelines, pesticide sprayers, and other modern farming equipment are becoming increasingly common. As a result, irrigation labor has been reduced by 75–80%, water-use efficiency has improved by 35–40%, fuel consumption has fallen by around 20%, and crop yields have increased by 10–15%. These technologies have also helped curb the spread of fungal diseases.

Mechanization rates currently stand at 92% for land preparation, 26% for crop care, and 80% for harvesting. In rice cultivation, land preparation is mechanized across 100% of the cultivated area, while harvesting machines and rice milling equipment meet more than 65% of production needs. Notably, unmanned aerial vehicles are seeing increasingly widespread use in spraying crop protection products.

The livestock sector has likewise emerged as a leader in mechanization, particularly among medium- and large-scale farms and enterprises. Automated technologies are increasingly used for feeding, water supply, environmental control, sanitation, disinfection, and waste treatment. The adoption of automated and semi-automated systems has improved livestock management, reduced manual labor, and supported the development of large-scale, biosecure livestock production.

Trinh Dang Khoi Co., Ltd., based in Tan An Commune, has invested in a fully integrated production chain featuring automated laying-hen facilities covering breeding, flock management, and egg collection. The company also operates a modern egg grading and processing line. Livestock waste is automatically collected and processed into organic fertilizer using Japanese fermentation technology for use in crop cultivation. The mechanized system has reduced labor requirements while increasing productivity and ensuring consistent product quality.

Smart automation for modern agriculture

Agricultural mechanization in Dong Nai has evolved beyond replacing manual labor. It is increasingly integrated with automation, high technology, and smart production management. Many farms have adopted automated irrigation and fertilization systems, greenhouse cultivation, environmental sensors, and intelligent farm management solutions to optimize growing conditions while improving productivity and product quality.

Queen Farm Vietnam in Phuoc Son Commune applies digital transformation across orchard care and management workflows. Photo: Binh Nguyen

One notable example is Queen Farm Vietnam, located in Phuoc Son Commune, which is a pioneer in integrating mechanization with digital transformation to develop export-oriented durian plantations. Every stage of production is managed through digital mapping and electronic farm logs. Smart irrigation, automated fertilization, drones for pest detection and control, and environmental sensors are all employed to monitor crop conditions and respond promptly to changes.

Beyond major enterprises and large farms, numerous agricultural cooperatives are adopting mechanization to deliver tangible benefits to farmers. Notably, the Bau Kien Agricultural Service Cooperative in Thanh Son Commune utilizes drones for spraying and fertilizer distribution, improving input efficiency while drastically shortening operational timeframes. Meanwhile, the Vinh Tam Agricultural Trade and Service Cooperative in Tan An Commune operates a hydroponic vegetable system in greenhouses equipped with automated controls for temperature, humidity, lighting, and nutrient dosing. These models highlight the synergy between mechanization and high technology in driving the transition toward a modern, efficient, and sustainable agricultural sector.

According to Bui Duong Vuong, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Agricultural Extension Center, mechanization has brought significant improvements to agricultural production by easing labor shortages, enabling farmers to respond more effectively during time-sensitive farming operations, and enhancing productivity, product quality, and economic efficiency.

Speaking at the seminar "Promoting Agricultural Mechanization: Solutions to Improve Productivity, Reduce Costs and Adapt to Climate Change," Le Quoc Thanh, Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, said the greatest value of mechanization lies not only in reducing physical labor but also in transforming farmers' mindsets and expanding their vision. "Mechanization enables farmers to access new knowledge, adopt digital technologies, and participate more deeply in the knowledge-based economy," Thanh said. He added that the agricultural extension system serves as a bridge linking farmers, cooperatives, businesses, and research institutions. Developing demonstration models, providing equipment operation training, strengthening data management, and organizing support services will ensure that new technologies are transferred effectively and adapted to local conditions.

By Binh Nguyen – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho