In the rapidly changing landscape of Vietnamese agriculture, a quiet revolution is underway. Farmers, once reliant on age-old methods and the rhythms of the seasons, are now embracing cutting-edge technology and digital transformation to boost productivity, reduce costs, and build a more sustainable future. This shift, highlighted in recent government meetings and local initiatives, is not only transforming fields and farms but also changing mindsets across the country.
On December 23, 2025, the Standing Committee of the Government of Vietnam, led by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, convened a pivotal meeting in Hanoi. According to VOVWORLD, the gathering brought together ministries, agencies, and representatives from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to discuss the urgent implementation of the national digital transformation program, with a particular focus on the railway sector and broader economic development. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for up-to-date regulations, technical standards, and the integration of advanced technology to ensure that Vietnam’s infrastructure and industries remain competitive on the global stage.
While the government’s digital ambitions span multiple sectors, perhaps nowhere is the impact of technology more visible—and more personal—than in the fields of Tay Ninh province. As reported by Báo Long An on December 24, 2025, farmers in communes like Long Chữ are pioneering the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), precision machinery, and smart irrigation systems. These tools, once the stuff of science fiction, are now everyday allies in the battle for higher yields and lower costs.
Take, for instance, the story of Mr. Le Van Be, a rice farmer and cooperative member in Long Chữ. In the most recent harvest, his family’s rice yield soared above 9 tons per hectare—a significant jump from previous years. But for Mr. Be, the benefits of joining a cooperative and embracing technology go beyond numbers. "What I like most about participating in the cooperative model is not just the increased output," he explained to Báo Long An, "but also the proactive and stable approach throughout the production process." By pooling resources and adopting standardized technical procedures, Mr. Be and his fellow farmers have slashed investment costs and gained access to high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides—delivered directly from trusted businesses, bypassing middlemen and ensuring stable prices.
One of the most striking examples of this transformation is the use of drones for spraying pesticides and fertilizers. Mr. Be invested nearly 500 million dong in a drone to serve his family’s nearly 10 hectares of rice fields and to assist other cooperative members. He told Báo Long An, "Using drones for spraying helps reduce costs by 700,000 to 1,000,000 dong per hectare per season, saves labor, and increases workplace safety, while maintaining or even increasing rice yields compared to traditional methods."
Mr. Nguyen Van Em, another Long Chữ farmer, shared similar sentiments. Previously, his family’s five hectares of crops demanded a frantic scramble for manual labor during planting and weeding seasons. Now, with a full suite of mechanized equipment—seeders, sprayers, plows, and harvesters—the work is faster, more consistent, and far less costly. "Machines have replaced manual labor. It’s faster, more uniform, and reduces costs. Today’s farmers not only work the fields but also have to calculate and apply technical knowledge to maximize profits," Mr. Em remarked.
Beyond rice, high-tech agriculture is taking root in other sectors as well. The Phuc Loi Agricultural Service and Trading Cooperative in Binh Minh district stands out for its innovative cantaloupe production. Leveraging clean water sources and an internal canal system, the cooperative cultivates cantaloupes year-round, meeting the stringent demands of supermarkets and clean food chains both locally and internationally. Mr. Le Tan Thanh, the farm’s manager, explained, "Cantaloupe is heat-tolerant but requires consistent clean water and the right nutrients. That’s why we invested in a smart irrigation system and use pot-based cultivation to better control growing conditions." The use of greenhouses and drip irrigation has reduced water and fertilizer usage by 30-60%, cut down on pests and diseases, and lowered labor costs—all while boosting efficiency.
According to Mr. Pham Ngoc Hai, director of the cooperative, this model yields four harvests per year, with output reaching 3.5 to 4 tons per 1,000 square meters. Prices range from 18,000 to 34,000 dong per kilogram depending on fruit size and quality, providing a stable income for cooperative members. The cooperative’s adherence to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards has enhanced both product value and competitiveness in domestic and export markets.
Similar stories abound in Vinh Cong commune, where Mr. Tran Van Doi’s switch from rice to red-fleshed dragon fruit has paid off handsomely. Supported by local government, he converted his modest 0.4-hectare rice plot in 2010, and within two years, his dragon fruit yields reached up to 20 tons per hectare—tripling or quadrupling his previous income. Recognizing growing market demand, especially for exports, Mr. Doi adopted VietGAP and GlobalGAP practices. "Sustainable agriculture requires strict adherence to processes—from using biological pesticides and recording production data, to careful post-harvest management. Everything must be done seriously," he said.
Despite these successes, challenges remain. Most farming households still operate on a small and scattered scale, limiting their ability to invest in advanced technologies. Access to capital and technical know-how varies widely, and the links between production, processing, and consumption are not yet robust enough to fully realize the benefits of modern models. As Báo Long An notes, overcoming these obstacles will require a concerted effort: "The future direction of agricultural development must focus on promoting the application of science, technology, and digital transformation throughout the entire agricultural value chain." This means building concentrated production areas tied to local strengths, issuing cultivation codes, developing agricultural brands, and strengthening technology adoption in management, traceability, and market connectivity.
Cooperatives are seen as a crucial "bridge" for bringing science and technology to farmers and connecting them with businesses. At the same time, practical training programs and hands-on guidance are needed so that farmers can gradually become comfortable and proficient with new technologies. The government continues to play a vital role, improving policies to encourage investment in high-tech, green, and circular agriculture, offering preferential loans, and promoting research and technology transfer tailored to local conditions and crop types.
This new era—often dubbed "Agriculture 4.0"—is about more than just gadgets and gadgets. It’s a fundamental shift from scattered, volume-focused production to integrated supply chains that prioritize quality and value. As science and technology are properly applied, agriculture is not only securing Vietnam’s food supply but is also becoming a modern, efficient, and sustainable economic pillar, lifting farmers’ livelihoods and fueling the country’s broader economic and social development.
With the government’s backing and the ingenuity of local farmers, Vietnam’s agricultural sector is rewriting its own story—one drone flight, one smart greenhouse, and one cooperative at a time.
