Vietnam's Agri-Extension: Spreading New Sustainable Models

Agricultural extension services in Vietnam are actively promoting the widespread adoption of innovative models for sustainable farming practices. This initiative focuses on cultivating climate-resilient industrial crops, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers by integrating organic alternatives, and incorporating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), drones, and artificial intelligence (AI). The plan aims to expand these models across 4,000 hectares of industrial crops, 600 hectares of food crops, and 500 hectares of fruit trees.

The primary objectives of this endeavor include boosting agricultural productivity, decreasing production costs, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, all of which align with Vietnam's national goals for green agricultural development. This strategic approach addresses critical challenges such as the impacts of climate change, soil degradation, and the increasing market demand for environmentally friendly products. By scaling up successful pilot projects, extension services intend to equip farmers with practical, technology-driven solutions designed to enhance both resilience and economic viability.

As part of the broader digital transformation within the agricultural sector, as highlighted by related developments, cooperatives are digitalizing value chains from production to distribution. This involves integrating shared platforms for traceability and the certification of carbon credits, with implementation anticipated by mid-2026. The use of remote sensing applications is also expected to increase significantly from 2026 onwards, leveraging AI, big data, IoT, and cloud computing for precise monitoring of crops, pests, and environmental factors.

A new system for tracing agricultural products, scheduled for introduction in late 2025, will commence with a pilot project for durian fruits in January 2026. A nationwide rollout is planned by the end of that year to ensure product quality, safety, and consumer confidence. The Prime Minister has called for bold reforms, emphasizing the integration of science, technology, innovation, and green transitions through partnerships in knowledge transfer, policy support, and market linkages.

Modern B2B agricultural exchanges, set to launch in 2026, will directly connect producers with global buyers via AI-powered platforms and cross-border logistics. These combined efforts represent a comprehensive strategy to modernize Vietnamese agriculture. The aim is to position the country as a competitive player in global green markets while simultaneously supporting smallholder farmers through training, infrastructure improvements, and data standardization. Family farms, recognized in recent studies for their superior environmental performance, are expected to benefit significantly from these scalable models.

Overall, this replication initiative fosters a shift towards high-tech, sustainable agriculture. It promises higher yields, reduced resource consumption, and increased export potential in the face of stricter international standards for low-emission, traceable products.