Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Quoc Doanh said that over the past three decades of renovation, Vietnam has become self-sufficient in terms of food production, with an annual export of US$30 billion, providing livelihoods for 10 million rural households and contributing nearly 22% of the gross domestic product and 23-35% of the total exports.
However, the agricultural sector tends to grow slowly due to spontaneous and small-scale production, limited technological application in agro-forestry-fisheries, in addition to the impacts of climate change, environmental pollution and food hygiene.
Participants hailed Lam Dong for its direction towards becoming a model of high-tech farming.
A representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment’s General Department of Land Management highlighted the need to refine the regulations on the rights of land users and issue policies to encourage the rent of land use rights.
According to the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV), outstanding loans in the field has amounted to VND177.4 billion (US$7.71 million), but farmers currently lack information concerning domestic and foreign consumption markets.
The SBV directed the commercial banks to offer more loans to the drive and pledged to give all possible support throughout the process.
On the occasion, the MARD presented certificates recognising Da Lat Hasfarm and An Huu companies as high-tech agricultural firms, and a decision recognising Thai Phien high-tech agricultural zone.
