Amid increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and tightening export market requirements, agriculture can no longer rely solely on traditional experience. The adoption of digital technologies is emerging as a critical pathway to enhance productivity, optimize resource use, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
From intuition-based farming to data-driven decisions
A defining feature of digital agriculture is its capacity to replace intuition with precise, real-time data.
At a recent farmer engagement event organized by Bayer in Lai Vung district, a range of advanced digital solutions was introduced to local growers. These included smart sensor systems capable of measuring water salinity, soil pH levels, and crop nutrient requirements in real time. Such tools enable farmers to tailor cultivation practices to specific zones within their orchards, improving efficiency and crop health.
Complementing these systems are upgraded irrigation technologies, including drip and precision spraying methods, which can reduce water usage by up to 40 per cent compared to conventional flooding techniques - an increasingly critical advantage during periods of drought. Automated spraying devices further enhance efficiency by producing ultra-fine droplets that adhere evenly to both sides of leaves, improving absorption while reducing chemical use and limiting farmers’ direct exposure to crop protection products.
Bridging farmers and expertise through digital platforms
Beyond hardware, digital platforms are playing a growing role in connecting farmers with technical expertise.
Solutions such as B-Anywhere provide integrated channels for knowledge exchange through tools like Zalo Mini Apps and livestream advisory sessions. These platforms enable farmers to access timely guidance directly from experts, allowing rapid responses to emerging challenges such as pest outbreaks or sudden weather shifts.
For farmers like Mr. Le Minh Nhut, who manages more than 10 hectares of durian orchards in Lai Vung, such innovations are becoming essential. “Durian is a high-value crop, but sustainable production and export compliance require standardized farming practices,” he noted. By adopting automated irrigation systems, advanced cultivation processes, and biological solutions, he has reported improved outcomes in both yield and quality.
Scaling precision agriculture for export-oriented production
Looking ahead, Bayer is preparing to roll out a large-scale project across 3,000 hectares of durian farms in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands. The initiative aims to standardize farming practices in line with export requirements while integrating a comprehensive suite of technologies.
These include precision irrigation systems combined with fertigation, automated spraying equipment, and microclimate weather stations designed to provide early warnings of environmental risks. Such integration enables farmers to anticipate and mitigate potential disruptions more effectively.
Mr. Jeremy Williams, Vice President, Head of Global Digital Farming, Bayer said “Outcomes in agriculture do not come from innovation alone, but from how decisions are made, how timing is managed, and how practices are executed under real field conditions. Digital tools, when combined with strong agronomy and trusted partnerships, can help reduce uncertainty, improve decision-making, and enable farmers to build sustainable productivity over time.”
A practical, farmer-centric approach to sustainable agriculture
This pragmatic, farmer-first approach has been positively received by stakeholders. Ms. Huynh Kim Dinh, Deputy Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, emphasized the importance of translating strategy into tangible outcomes.
“In the current context, supporting farmers cannot remain at the level of slogans. It must be realized through practical solutions, technologies, and knowledge that empower them to take control of their production and move towards greener, more sustainable agriculture,” she stated.
The convergence of traditional farming experience and digital tools is opening new pathways for Vietnamese agriculture. As farmers gain greater control over technology, they are not only improving product quality and value but also strengthening their capacity to meet the increasingly stringent demands of global markets.
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