January 2, 2024

 

Vietnamese prime minister's dialogue emphasises farmers' role in agriculture's growth

 

 

Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính had chaired an annual dialogue on December 30 with farmers in Vietnam — with the event's theme highlighting farmers' central role in the development of agriculture, rural economy and green, sustainable new-style rural areas.

 

Prior to this event, the Vietnam Farmers' Union had received nearly 2,000 questions from its members addressed to Chính, focusing the role of farmers in achieving a target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the promotion of digital transformation in agriculture and measures for waste management and environmental protection in rural areas, among many others.

 

In his conclusion at the dialogue, Chính highlighted the consistent viewpoint of Vietnam on developing agriculture, rural areas and farmers, as well as the issuance of numerous important and strategic orientations and policies.

 

Chính updated participants on the agriculture sector's estimated GDP growth of 3.83% in 2023, the highest level in many years, and its trade surplus of approximately US$11 billion from agro-forestry-aquatic product exports this year.

 

He also outlined some challenges facing the sector, noting that agricultural development still follows a production-oriented mindset rather than transitioning to an economic mindset. There are also shortcomings in rural development planning, environmental pollution issues and new challenges in rural security and order.

 

Chính emphasised the need to increase farmers' awareness of the development of large-scale commodity, smart, clean and safe agriculture, and the application of sci-tech achievements, international integration and adaptation to climate change.

 

He also stressed the importance of restructuring production, strengthening value chain linkages and connecting production with processing and consumption via the development of various forms of cooperation and partnerships between households and organisations and enterprises.

 

"We must strengthen linkages, diversify production and supply chains, enhance deep processing, expand healthy competitive markets and promote the development of green, high-yield, low-emission, and sustainable production," Chính noted.

 

He urged sectors and localities to improve the quality of training and consultancy services offered to farmers and rural labourers in production and business, and step up digital transformation in agriculture.

 

Additionally, it is essential to concentrate resources on implementing Vietnam's green growth strategy for 2021-2030, with the farming sector required to effectively implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and methane in agricultural production, Chính stressed.

 

- VNS