Science and technology: promoting agriculture in the Mekong Delta

Businesses increasing investment in science and technology

According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, recent scientific and technological tasks in the agricultural sector have focused on addressing all production stages within the value chain to improve quality and competitiveness, with a priority on climate resilienc solutions. Furthermore, stakeholders are gradually integrating research results into daily life, with practical applications rising and contributing to local socio-economic development.

Accordingly, scientific and technological tasks in the Mekong Delta's agricultural sector have centered on research, application, and transfer of technical advancements related to key local products, such as seafood production and processing technologies; research on breed development and production processes; and the harvesting and processing of high-quality rice, fruits, and valuable specialty products, including the development of OCOP (One Commune, One Product) products.

Notably, the green-skin pomelo from Ben Tre, Cao Lanh mango from Dong Thap, and Ri-6 durian from Tien Giang and Ben Tre have been exported in large quantities to China, the United States, and Japan. Additionally, other provinces within the Mekong Delta region have exported whiteleg shrimp to the EU, the US, and Japan.

The central government has allocated a total of 1.089 trillion VND to science and technology projects spanning the years between 2022 and 2024 in 13 Mekong Delta provinces, with provincial governments approving 1.170 trillion VND, achieving 107% of the target. On the other hand, investment in science and technology development projects approved by provincial governments amounted to 217 billion VND, with an estimated expenditure of 187.61 billion VND by April 2024, achieving 90% of the target. Several provinces, including Ben Tre, Dong Thap, Long An, and Tra Vinh, have allocated additional funds compared to the central government’s distribution.

In addition to public investment in science and technology, provinces and cities in the Mekong Delta region have secured 517 billion VND in non-budget funding. Among the contributors, Vinh Hoan Company has invested 50 billion VND to modernize seafood processing technology for export; Rynan Joint Stock Company has invested 40 billion VND to master smart aquaculture technology; and Viet-Uc Group has invested 110 billion VND to develop a high-tech super-intensive shrimp farming area.

Coconut farming generates an annual revenue of 400 million USD for Ben Tre

Tran Ngoc Tam, Chairman of Ben Tre Provincial People's Committee, reported that the province met and exceeded 15 out of 24 targets set by the Provincial Party Committee in 2023. The achievement of key targets was supported by the science and technology sector, demonstrated by an increase to 47% in the contribution of total factor productivity (TFP) to the economic growth rate (GRDP).

Ben Tre province's science and technology sector has implemented digital transformation in online administrative procedures, boosting the province’s position to seventh nationwide and third in the Mekong Delta in the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI).

With over 79,000 hectares of coconut farming areas, the largest in Vietnam, Ben Tre province has been regarded as the "Coconut Capital of Vietnam," with an annual revenue of more than 400 million USD. In order to utilize this advantage, the provincial leadership has focused on creating mechanisms and policies to attract investment and enhance the application of science and technology in production and processing, thereby meeting domestic consumption and export needs.

However, local leaders in the Mekong Delta region have also acknowledged the challenges currently facing the development of science and technology. Namely, Ben Tre province has identified the lack of integration between businesses and research institutions as a core issue that limits the commercialization of research products.

Additionally, the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are gradually diminishing the advantages of traditional approaches, spontaneous management, and old business models. Complex and unpredictable global developments further exacerbates these issues, necessitating significant breakthroughs and improved capacities in the science and technology sector to meet public expectations.