Sci-tech application enhances agricultural products’value

Cooperatives in Binh Duong have been actively applying modern science and technology (sci-tech) in crop cultivation and animal husbandry while continuously striving to build production-consumption linkages and promote brand development to enhance the value of the local agricultural products. This is not only a necessary transformation to meet market demands, but also a strategy to help the province's agricultural products assert their position in the export market.

Innovating methods to increase competitiveness

To quickly catch up with current development trends, cooperatives in Binh Duong have not only expanded their production scale, but also focused on applying modern technology in manufacturing. The sci-tech application not only helps Binh Duong’s agricultural products meet domestic and international standards, but also changes farmers' perceptions about production linked with social responsibility and environmental protection. This reflects Binh Duong's commitment to a modern, flexible agriculture that is well-adapted to the inevitable trends of the era.

Le Thanh Tam, Deputy Director of provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that to adapt to climate change, market fluctuations and shift consumer trends, the goal of the sector is to create more values with fewer inputs, fewer resources and less labor. The province's agricultural sector aims at optimizing values by leveraging scientific and technological achievements and organizing production sustainably, from techniques to management.

The application of sci-tech and high-tech innovations is bringing significant changes to agricultural production in Binh Duong. In the province's key agricultural areas, drip irrigation and mist spraying systems have significantly reduced water usage while increasing crop yields. This solution delivers water and nutrients directly to the plant roots with precision, minimizing waste and reducing dependency on erratic weather conditions.

Enhancing brand value

Minh Hoa Phat Cooperative in Dau Tieng district’s Minh Hoa commune currently has 150 hectares dedicated to growing oranges and grapefruits. The cooperative is in the process of converting its orange and tangerine fields to grow green-skinned grapefruits and durians. To increase productivity and improve product quality while reducing costs and labor, the cooperative has applied modern technology in cultivation. Currently, 100% of the cooperative's crop areas use an automated irrigation system. The cooperative's green-skinned grapefruit yields 30 tons per hectare and durian ones reach 25 tons per hectare. After deducting costs, each cooperative member earns an average income of VND 450million-VND500 million per year.

Tong Van Huong, Director of Minh Hoa Phat Cooperative shared that the cooperative produces green-skinned grapefruits under the VietGAP standards. By strictly adhering to the production process that applies sci-tech advancements, ensuring high quality and safety for health, the cooperative's products have gained popularity among customers. In 2023, the cooperative's grapefruit product was awarded the 3-star OCOP certification, which has helped enhance product value and elevate the brand. Notably, cooperative members have boldly processed OCOP grapefruits into grapefruit wine, extending their expiry, adapting to the development trends of the circular economy.

Dan Tien Cooperative in North  Tan Uyen district’s Tan Dinh commune also applies drip irrigation combined with fertilization, helping members save both production costs and time. By utilizing this irrigation technology, the cooperative has significantly improved crop productivity and quality, enabling its products to be not only popular locally, but also to expand into many other markets, gradually building a sustainable value chain with a focus on export markets. Nguyen Van Tien, Director of Dan Tien Cooperative shared: "We always strive to apply new technological solutions. Drip irrigation not only helps reduce water usage, but also ensures that crops receive the right amount of nutrients at the right time, which is especially important during the dry season”.

Cooperatives in Binh Duong are also working hard to build production-consumption linkages and promote brand development to enhance the value of local agricultural products. An Son Cooperative in Thuan An city is renowned for its specialty, Lai Thieu mangosteen, which not only meets domestic market demands, but has also expands to international markets, exporting to countries such as China and those in Europe… This success is the result of close cooperation with international partners, along with continuous improvement in the production process under VietGAP standards and the development of internationally certified growing area codes. Tran Van Vien, Director of An Son Cooperative shared: "We understand that the modern market requires transparency and traceability. Achieving the VietGAP certification and certified growing area code has helped our products maintain a strong position in the domestic market and expand into foreign markets”.

Currently, cooperatives are also focusing on building online marketing channels to quickly and effectively reach customers. Information about products and production processes is publicly shared on the cooperative's website, which helps increase trust and attract more business partners.

Building production-consumption linkages brings numerous benefits to cooperatives, such as reducing market risks, stabilizing output and enabling cooperatives to be more proactive in developing long-term plans. A reputable brand also creates trust among consumers, enhancing the competitiveness of Binh Duong’s agricultural products in the international market. As a result, cooperatives like An Son not only succeed in preserving and developing local specialties, but also open up new opportunities for Vietnamese agricultural products on the global stage.

The application of modern science and technology in agriculture, the development of green, clean, high-tech agriculture and a circular economy have become key strategies for Binh Duong today.

Reported by Phuong Le-Translated by Kim Tin