#Agriculture #High-TechFarming #SustainableDevelopment #GreenhouseCultivation #VietGAP #GlobalGAP #DigitalTransformation #EconomicEfficiency #Traceability #E-commerceIntegration
In recent years, the agricultural sector in Hải Dương Province has undergone a remarkable transformation through the strategic integration of science and technology, particularly high-tech solutions, into the production process. One shining example is the Tan Minh Đức Cooperative in Phạm Trấn, Gia Lộc district, which embarked on a high-tech agricultural venture in 2017. Starting with a modest 5,000 m2, the cooperative has expanded to an impressive 15.5 hectares of greenhouses, primarily cultivating netted melons and various other crops. With an initial investment of around 330,000 VND/m2, equivalent to 120 million VND per 360m2, the cooperative has achieved substantial economic gains.
The annual revenue for the cooperative reaches approximately 2.5 billion VND per hectare, with a net profit of about 1.2 billion VND per hectare after deducting expenses. Notably, the use of greenhouses has not only contributed to higher yields (800-1,000 kg/360m2) but has also facilitated environmentally friendly practices by minimizing the use of pesticides. Moreover, the controlled environment protects crops from adverse weather conditions, reducing susceptibility to pests and diseases, resulting in increased productivity and product quality.
The social benefits of this high-tech agricultural initiative are substantial, providing employment opportunities for local labor, particularly the elderly and young individuals. The cooperative employs over 40 households in greenhouse production, paying a minimum wage of 250,000 VND per day, approximately 7.5 million VND per month.
The province has witnessed the success of various high-tech agricultural models, including 28 hectares of combined greenhouses with automated irrigation and fertilization systems, achieving a remarkable economic value of 1-3 billion VND per hectare per year. Additionally, 540 hectares of specialized vegetable cultivation with water-saving irrigation systems have demonstrated a 10-30% increase in economic efficiency and a 55% reduction in water usage compared to traditional irrigation methods.
Hải Dương boasts 802 livestock farms, with 80% adopting high-tech agricultural practices, including automated breeding, feeding, automatic cooling systems, biological bedding, and safe biological breeding. Among them, 122 farms have received VietGAP certification, ensuring safe food production.
The provincial government’s focus on applying technology to agriculture is evident in its recent initiatives. The “Development of High-Tech Agricultural Production and Organic Agriculture Phase 2021-2025, Direction 2030” project has supported locals in establishing 2.15 hectares of greenhouses and leasing over 140 hectares of land for large-scale production. The province has also expanded 212 hectares of winter crops and certified 476.8 hectares of vegetables and fruits under VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards.
Trần Đức Thắng, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee in Hải Dương, highlights the positive outcomes of digital transformation in agriculture. Innovations such as drip irrigation technology, rain spray irrigation, surveillance cameras, and automated sensor devices connected to smartphones have significantly increased economic efficiency.
Furthermore, the province has implemented traceability systems for agricultural products using QR codes, aiming for export to demanding markets. This not only enhances the value of goods but also instills consumer confidence in product quality. Over 261 area codes for cultivation have been issued, and more than 1,000 hectares of VietGAP and GlobalGAP-standard production areas have adopted source traceability codes.
Agricultural products from Hải Dương are now available on major e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, Tiki, Shopee, Sendo, Alibaba, Voso, and Viettelpost, with 128,578 active farming households ranked 19th out of 63 provinces. The province has introduced 1,077 products on these platforms, resulting in 35,578 transactions, ranking 7th among provinces.
Hải Dương Province’s commitment to technological innovation in agriculture has not only revolutionized farming practices but has also significantly boosted economic outcomes, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.