The significant disparity in agricultural value between Vietnam and South Korea highlights Vietnam's struggle to integrate science and technology into its agricultural sector. Speaking at the Prime Minister's dialogue with farmers in 2025, held on 10/12 in Ha Noi, Pham Thi Ly, a 2024 farmer scientist, pointed out the considerable gap between agricultural research and its practical application.

Pham Thi Ly noted that the Prime Minister's decision to focus on science and technology application as the conference's theme underscored the sector's pivotal role, aligning with Resolution 57. Despite this recognition, many research findings often remain theoretical, failing to reach the farmers who could benefit from them. "The State needs to create a robust mechanism for close connection among institutes, universities, and social organizations, ensuring that technology can be tested and applied directly at the local level," she urged.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy addresses delegates' questions at the conference on 10/12. Photo: Dan Viet

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy addresses delegates' questions at the conference on 10/12. Photo: Dan Viet

In response, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy acknowledged that the disconnect between research and application significantly hinders agricultural productivity. He provided a stark comparison: Vietnam's average agricultural production value is under 1,000 USD per person, while South Korea boasts 24,000 USD. This substantial difference, he explained, indicates Vietnam's agriculture suffers from deficiencies in technology, advanced techniques, effective branding, and market access.

The Deputy Minister highlighted that this year marks a period of strong adjustment, with 10 laws related to science and technology undergoing revision, alongside over 30 financial regulations. These legislative changes aim to remove bottlenecks in integrating technology into production. Furthermore, the National Innovation Fund will offer interest rate support to businesses and cooperatives investing in advanced technology. A "technology voucher" program will be piloted, allowing farmers to try digital solutions before long-term adoption. The revised Law on Science and Technology now establishes "innovation" as a core pillar, mandating that research topics stem from practical needs and ensure technology transfer after acceptance.

Beyond research and development, farmers also face infrastructure challenges, particularly in highland areas where market access remains difficult. Vuong Thi Thuong, Vietnam's outstanding farmer of 2025, shared her experience, explaining that online sales are frequently interrupted by weak network signals. She recounted instances where she had to climb mountaintops to find reception for livestreaming. Additionally, the taxes and fees associated with joining cooperatives often increase the prices of agricultural products.

To address these issues, Vuong Thi Thuong proposed upgrading internet infrastructure, providing comprehensive online sales skills training, and developing an affordable e-commerce platform tailored for farmers.

Vuong Thi Thuong, Vietnam's outstanding farmer of 2025, speaks at the conference on 10/12. Photo: Dan Viet

Vuong Thi Thuong, Vietnam's outstanding farmer of 2025, speaks at the conference on 10/12. Photo: Dan Viet

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Tran Duc Thang commended Thuong's proposal as a forward-thinking idea, even though current legislation does not yet fully regulate it. He informed the delegates that Vietnam currently operates 12 high-tech agricultural application zones under Decision 66/2015. The Ministry plans to research a "village" model to enhance technology demonstration, testing, and dissemination, fostering stronger connections among research institutes, universities, cooperatives, and farmers. Concurrently, the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology added that his Ministry is pursuing two directions: supporting network providers to extend coverage to difficult areas under Resolution 193 and piloting two satellite internet projects to improve transmission quality.

Summarizing the input from various ministries and sectors, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh underscored the urgent need for science to reach practical application faster and for the commercialization of research products to accelerate. He emphasized that scientists must align their work with farmers' practical needs, while farmers and businesses should actively "commission" research to drive production-oriented innovation. Regarding online sales, the Prime Minister stressed that digital platforms can only operate effectively with stable infrastructure. He directed the telecommunications sector to ensure comprehensive network coverage and promote digital government and digital society initiatives, aiming to enable citizens to become digitally proficient for convenient online transactions. For product traceability, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to issue specific regulations, protect intellectual property rights, and require ministries and localities to tightly control the traceability process.

Addressing tax and fee policies, the Prime Minister identified this as a priority area. He questioned why, despite strong agricultural development, the sector contributes only 4% to national growth, especially given numerous existing tax exemptions. While acknowledging that support policies are already comprehensive, he urged the agricultural sector to enhance its competitiveness and avoid a mindset of relying solely on incentives. He cited seven to eight support programs for ethnic minorities, noting that reliance solely on policies cannot eradicate poverty; people must strive for sustainable development through their own efforts. The Prime Minister lauded the Ministry of Industry and Trade for establishing a commodity exchange, a move aimed at increasing transparency and combating fraud. He concluded by stating that policies would continue to be discussed in a spirit of solidarity to create collective strength for the nation's agricultural future.

Thi Ha