At the recent Prime Minister’s 2025 Dialogue with Farmers on December 10, Nguyen Thi Tra My emphasized the need for farmers to innovate to enhance their incomes and minimize carbon emissions. With a changing landscape in agriculture, it has become crucial for producers to shift from traditional practices to data-driven decision-making.

Nguyen highlighted that the integration of science and technology is no longer optional but a necessity. “In the past, farming meant watching the sky, the land, and the clouds; now it means watching data and figures,” she stated, pointing to a significant shift in agricultural methodologies.

However, convincing farmers to adopt these new practices presents its own set of challenges. To mitigate the risks associated with adopting new technologies, PAN Group, the parent company of Vinaseed, has introduced support mechanisms such as free trials and cost reductions. Nevertheless, Nguyen called on the Vietnamese government to enhance these initiatives with further support policies aimed at bridging the gap between agribusinesses and farmers.

Over the past two years, PAN Group has observed a growing integration of technology within agricultural production. Farmers have become more diligent in tracking key performance metrics, allowing for data-driven decisions as opposed to relying solely on experience. The company has been proactive in promoting technology adoption across six regions of the Mekong Delta, aiming to expand its coverage from 20,000 hectares this year to 50,000 hectares by 2026.

In addition, the establishment of farmer clubs has emerged as a vital tool for knowledge-sharing among agricultural leaders. These clubs serve as important channels for disseminating information and solutions that can help farmers reduce operational costs by 25 to 30 percent while also minimizing emissions.

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Nguyen noted significant shifts in consumer preferences, both locally and globally. Today’s consumers are not only demanding high-quality food but are also increasingly seeking environmentally friendly, low-carbon products. This demand is particularly strong among younger Vietnamese consumers, compelling farmers and agribusinesses to adapt accordingly.

“Ensuring high-quality seeds is our responsibility. When it comes to crop protection products and fertilizers, we can collaborate with leading industry names to develop comprehensive agricultural solution packages,” Nguyen shared.

She reiterated the importance of accessibility to these solutions, enabling the possibility of buying back paddy at premium prices and exporting rice under Vietnamese brands. “Our goal is to compete on quality rather than quantity,” she stated.

To elevate Vietnam’s agricultural brand on the international stage, strong coordination between government entities, businesses, and solidarity among Vietnamese enterprises is crucial. “We must align policymakers, ministries, and agencies with businesses to empower the Vietnamese brand. More importantly, unity among Vietnamese enterprises will enhance our global presence. In my experience collaborating with partners in Asia, such as Japan, Taiwan, and China, their success stems from this effective collaboration,” she concluded.