Fostering Digital Farmers through Viet Nam's Digital Transformation in Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Viet Nam has initiated a Digital Transformation Project for the Agriculture sector for 2021–2025, with a view to 2030. This project is built on three foundational pillars: digital government, digital agricultural economy, and digital countryside, all aimed at fostering the emergence of "digital farmers."

The project aims to expedite, synchronize, and enhance the digital transformation process in agriculture involving various stakeholders, including state agencies, businesses, cooperatives, and farmers. Integrating digital technologies into agricultural practices will revolutionize the traditional farming landscape, transitioning farmers toward a digitally-oriented production mindset to ensure a more efficient, sustainable, and productive agricultural sector.

On 30 March 2024, the Viet Nam National University of Agriculture hosted a National Scientific Conference to delve into the current perspectives, orientations, and solutions for the sustainable development of agriculture, the rural economy, and farmers, in alignment with the national digital transformation agenda.

The conference underscored the critical role of digital transformation in creating "digital farmers," who are pivotal to advancing agricultural practices through the use of digital technologies, which will ensure the sector's sustainable development in the face of urbanization and climate change.

Dr. Tran Duc Vien, Chairman of the Academic Science and Training Council of the Viet Nam National University of Agriculture, and lead of the project, stated that the conference aims to establish an academic forum for researchers and lecturers to discuss and identify the challenges and bottlenecks in implementing policies related to agriculture and digital transformation. Dr. Nguyen Minh Duc, Faculty of Economics and Rural Development, Viet Nam National University of Agriculture, highlighted the opportunities and challenges faced by farmers in this digital shift, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues.