The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) is speeding up the development of an agricultural data architecture map and plans to launch it in November, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hoang Hiep has said.

“This is the foundation for digital transformation and traceability and for localities to implement digital transformation more synchronously,” he told the international workshop “Digital disruption in agriculture: The way forward in Vietnam" on November 9.

“Digital transformation is a continuous and seamless process, with a beginning but no end,” he continued. “We need a new mindset and approach to succeed. Software, computers, and cloud computing are just tools. Farmers will have no interest if they do not receive rights and benefits.”

According to the new IFC Country Manager for the Mekong region, covering Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, Mr. Thomas Jacobs, due to the majority of farmers in Vietnam being small-scale, complex challenges exist in implementing new technologies and production methods while addressing negative environmental impacts and improving efficiency, product quality, and value.

However, there is also a valuable and rare opportunity to unleash the full potential of the agricultural sector and further contribute to the country’s long-term economic development, he said, and that is the rapid development of digital technology, including AI, and Vietnam needs to seize this opportunity.

World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Ms. Carrie Turk, said e-commerce enables farmers to directly connect with and sell products to consumers, which not only helps them cut transaction costs but also secure more benefits. Meanwhile, digital payments and mobile banking lessen dependence on cash and improves the ability in rural areas to gain access to finance.