News
Enterprises support farmers in adopting new technologies
Jul
– In recent times, private enterprises have not only contributed to GDP and the state budget, but also created numerous jobs for rural workers, and helped farmers improve productivity and adopt new technologies in agricultural production.
Technical staffs from An Giang Fruit-Vegetables and Foodstuffs Joint Stock Company (Antesco) assist farmers in applying technology to agricultural production
Digital transformation in agriculture
Implementing digital transformation in agriculture helps businesses and farmers improve both productivity and product quality. An Giang Fruit-Vegetable and Foodstuffs Joint Stock Company (Antesco) currently manages over 10,000 hectares of raw material areas, partners with more than 6,000 farming households and cooperatives, providing stable jobs for over 20,000 farmers. Antesco has adopted digital transformation to closely monitor production processes and ensure compliance with international safety standards for agrochemicals.
Mr. Nguyen Hoang Minh, General Director of Antesco, shared: “With an annual raw material volume exceeding 100,000 tons, digitization is essential for large-scale operations. We implement three models of digital transformation: office operations, production and digital cost management. The company has also actively guided farmers in using smartphones to connect production with consumption, while also introducing scientific and technical advancements into farming practices.”
Previously unfamiliar with technology, farmers are now adopting user-friendly digital solutions with the support of businesses, leading to greater work efficiency. Mr. Nguyen Van Cop, a corn grower and cattle farmer in Long Kien Commune, shared: “Thanks to the support of the enterprise, I have been able to apply technology effectively in my farming.”
In addition to creating jobs, the enterprise has implemented technical training programs to support farmers in sustainable cultivation practices. These initiatives help reduce the use of chemicals by promoting organic fertilizers, ultimately improving productivity. Flexible financing policies also provide farmers with peace of mind and help mitigate financial risks. Mr. Nguyễn An Nhàn, Acting Director of Procurement and Cultivation Division at Antesco, shared: “Our team of agricultural technicians and cultivation staff have closely supported farmers in digitizing the management of raw material production areas. By applying technology to farm management—from transparent traceability systems to digital monitoring of cultivation and production—we ensure greater crop efficiency and maximize benefits for farmers.”
Changing Mindsets in Agricultural Production
In Cù Lao Giêng commune, mango is the primary crop, cultivated on over 4,000 hectares. With the support and partnership of enterprises, local farmers have applied scientific and technical practices to grow mangoes in accordance with VietGAP standards, enabling exports to markets such as China, the United States, South Korea, and Australia.
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Hiền, Chairman of the Board and Director of Cù Lao Giêng GAP Cooperative, shared: “Since 2022, the cooperative has partnered with farmers by signing contracts linking production and consumption with supply and purchasing companies. Up to this point, we have supllied over 2,100 tons of mangoes (including Toong and seedless varieties) to South Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, and supplied over 4,000 tons to the domestic market. The cooperative has expanded from 7 founding members to 51 official and 243 affiliated members, managing nearly 300 hectares of mango cultivation areas. We have obtained VietGAP certification for 230 hectares and GlobalGAP for 50 hectares. We are now aiming to expand our mango exports to the European market.”
According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in addition to technical support to increase mango productivity and quality, linking production and consumption of mangoes through a value chain has been one of the province’s top priorities, driving and adding value to the product in recent years. The province’s mango exports to strict markets are the result of sustained efforts by the local Party committees, authorities, enterprises, and especially cooperatives and farmers. This has been a challenging and arduous negotiation process spanning more than 10 years. At the same time, with a shift in mindset, mango farmers must strictly comply with the rigorous requirements of import partners regarding pesticide residues, pest control, traceability, and irradiation.
During a recent visit to survey the cultivation area and work with Antesco Company, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Lê Minh Hoan emphasized the role of private enterprises in cooperating, supporting, and building trusted relationships with farmers. Vice Chairman Lê Minh Hoan suggested: “Enterprises need to shift from merely buying and selling to cooperating and linking with farmers, building trust and developing together. This will help create higher added value, improving farmers’ income and livelihoods. Enterprises must develop strategies that adapt to new visions, promote innovation, and apply science and technology in building and developing new models”.
