Introducing 'The Farmers' Network - The Journey of Digital Farmers'

The Digital Transformation and Agricultural Statistics Center under Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, in coordination with the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper and Worldsoft Software Company, launched the "Farmers' Network - The Journey of Digital Farmers" platform on October 21, in Can Tho City.

The Farmers' Network is a digital environment that integrates a system of tools to help agricultural cooperatives, farmers, farms, and agricultural businesses effectively manage their operations, access timely scientific knowledge, optimize input resources, and facilitate access to credit. Additionally, the platform empowers farmers to seize the initiative in trading activities, create production plans, and monitor financial plans.

Existing applications on the market mainly focus on solving one step, one process, or one issue for farmers. With the "Farmers' Network" platform, the aim is to create a space for sharing and connecting farmers with experts, planning productivity, production, pricing, and profitability, as well as accessing sources of funding.

The "Farmers' Network" platform contains extensive "social network" features and integrates planning tools such as: estimated yield, services, work logs, connection with credit institutions, estimated selling prices/profit percentages, and estimated input costs. In addition, it provides a suitable channel for agricultural product information that aligns with consumption trends, which can easily connect with smart agricultural IoT devices.

All Xelex "Made in Vietnam" tablets are pre-installed with the "Farmers' Network", providing a convenient all-in-one software and hardware solution for farmers.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan, Director of the Digital Transformation and Agricultural Statistics Center under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that the goal of the Farmers' Network is to enhance farmers' knowledge and self-sufficiency through addressing issues related to crop seasons, farming procedures, pest and disease prevention, and close collaboration with grassroots agricultural extension services. It also aims to improve market access by connecting agricultural product transactions and wholesale alliances or managing cooperatives, businesses, and farmers effectively through digital platforms, mobile applications, and tablets.

As a result, the platform optimizes input materials, reduces costs, offers a wide range of choices for users, and helps optimize pricing. "The model is currently being piloted in several Mekong Delta provinces. We are looking to move towards nationwide expansion," said Mr. Nguyen Quoc Toan.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thach, Editor-in-Chief of the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper, a participating organization in the development of the "Farmers Network" platform, shared: "The requirements and solutions regarding "developing human resources and raising the intellectual level of farmers" have been clearly identified under Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, 10th Tenure, on agriculture, farmers, and rural areas. As a result, the intellectualization of farmers is a mandatory requirement in the process of building an ecological agriculture, a modern rural area, and civilized farmers. The "Farmers Network" platform has been created with a simple approach and provides useful information to fulfill the mission of "intellectualizing farmers". As the official voice of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper will continue to enhance its utilities with the motto "Ask and answer" so that the "Farmers Network" platform can become an useful tool for farmers, cooperatives, industry associations, and the business community."

According to Mr. Nguyen Ai Huu, Founder of Worldsoft Software Technology Joint Stock Company, the "Farmers' Network" platform is a large-scale farmer forum supported by artificial intelligence (AI), which facilitates the exchange of information. Market information will be updated quickly with accurate data, capable of addressing any issues in the field of agriculture.

In addition, technology applications, good practices, or other related agricultural issues will be promptly addressed. Users of the platform can also flexibly create financial plans and crop reports based on predefined objectives with the support of advanced tools.

Through a video clip shown at the event (watch it here), Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan shared that the Farmers' Network will contribute to addressing the issues in Vietnam's agriculture sector with regards to farmers' opinions and needs. The Minister emphasized the importance of establishing a strong connection with farmers. He highlighted the difference between an individual and the connection within a network, emphasizing the significant value of the platform.

"I am also very excited that for the first time, there is an event featuring only two words, 'Farmers' Network,' but it is full of emotions, aiming at a grand objective, a great value that will spread across the nation. Let's focus on the common core value to nurture a better and more useful network that can reach even more farmers," Minister Le Minh Hoan conveyed.