The vital role of associations and general associations in improving agricultural production

On July 18 afternoon, Minister Le Minh Hoan meets and works with the Vietnam General Association of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Gardening Association, and the Vietnam Economic Science Association of Agriculture and Rural Development.

By the end of June 2023, the number of existing associations under the state management of MARD has reached 71 associations in various industries: cultivation, plant protection; animal husbandry; irrigation; fisheries; forestry; rural development; and multi-disciplinary associations. There are 30 associations in the cultivation and plant protection industry, accounting for 42%.

Over the past ten years, the Vietnam General Association of Agriculture and Rural Development has expanded and recruited 20,076 members, of which 112 members are organized by organizations and 11 members are associations/associations. It has cooperated with MARD to organize 23 training courses in 17 provinces for 850 extension officers.

The program “Rural Bridges,” initiated by the General Assembly in 2016, has mobilized resources to build over 350 bridges and sluice systems with a value of more than 330 billion VND; the “Frontiership” program has mobilized over 5 billion VND to support hunger eradication and poverty reduction; the “Gratitude” program has mobilized over 44.5 billion VND to build temples and memorials for heroes and martyrs. These programs have painted a new facade to rural areas.

In addition, the Vietnam Gardening Association has a history of more than 35 years of operation. Currently, it includes 54 provincial gardening associations, 27 business members, and 60 individual members who are scientists, incumbent or retired managers. 54 provincial associations have received attention from districts, communes, villages, enterprises, cooperatives, clubs, and assembly halls, comprising 662,570 members.

Additionally, since its establishment in 2016, the Vietnam Association of Economic Sciences for Agriculture and Rural Development has recruited experts from many fields. Of the total of 185 official members, 34 members hold the titles of Professor or Associate Professor (accounting for 18.7%); 64 members have doctorate degrees (accounting for 35.3%); The remaining members are masters, engineers, and bachelors (accounting for 46%).

This is an aggregation of highly qualified and experienced professionals, dedicated to agricultural development, connecting scientists and individuals to research mechanisms and policies, and promoting Vietnamese products in local and international markets.

Over the years, 71 associations under MARD’s management have been proactive, supporting the ministry to solve macro issues toward farmers’ livelihood. They have also actively contributed to restructuring the industry and successfully implementing strategies, programs, and plans for the agriculture and rural development sector.

MARD representatives command the role of experts from the Associations and General Associations in bridging between the Government and farmers. Especially important are the professional contributions, policy advice, and initiatives to develop the agriculture and rural development sector.

In the future, MARD wishes to accompany the Associations and General Associations in providing information and skills to farmers, taking advantage of the highly specialized force, and strengthening the farmers’ participation in national economic development.

Furthermore, MARD hopes the expert will promote the transformation of the agricultural production approach and inter-regional and inter-sectoral cooperation in production; implement projects on agricultural and new rural development; advise, critique, update, and contextualize Vietnam’s policies in the global agricultural context.

At the meeting, Minister Le Minh Hoan mentions the “think tank” concept, which captures the role of Vietnam’s agricultural associations. To MARD, the associations comprise a body of experts providing advice and ideas on specific political or economic problems. He hopes the experts will further contribute critical thinking, new perspective and innovative approaches to the Government in formulating projects, strategies, and policies, ultimately benefiting farmers’ livelihood.

Minister Le Minh Hoan wishes the high-quality human resources of the Associations to actively participate in influencing communal responsibility to the localities, policy-making, and promoting and improving production experience for people in rural areas.

The Minister emphasizes the vital role of Associations and General Associations in establishing an agricultural ecosystem, encouraging members to actively exchange ideas and models, thereby strengthening the farmer communities.