Breakthrough solutions needed to turn agriculture into economy’s pillar

National Assembly deputy Bui Thanh Tung, member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science-Technology and Environment, and Deputy Head of the Hai Phong city National Assembly delegation (Photo: Xuan Mai/Vietnam+)

Hanoi (VNA) - With the recently-gained export value of 41 billion USD, the agriculture sector has become the “pillar” of the Vietnamese economy as the country is facing negative impacts from the global economic crisis, COVID-19 and natural disasters. On the sidelines of the 10th session of the 14th National Assembly (NA), National Assembly deputies talk with VietnamPlus online newspaper about solutions to promote the sustainable development of agriculture.

"Pillar of the economy"

- As the economy faces difficulties due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters, how do you evaluate the pillar role that the agricultural sector has played in the country's socio-economic development?

National Assembly Deputy Bui Thanh Tung, member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science-Technology and Environment, and Deputy Head of the Hai Phong city National Assembly delegation: Vietnam’s agricultural sector has made breakthrough development steps. We have for the first time seen the farmers' mindsets shifting from small-scale production to commodity production.

This is the result of a long process, but it more significant recently. Almost all of our agricultural products have Certificate of Quality codes and Conformity to Regulation stamps, which are the key points for domestic agricultural products to be successful on the domestic market and take advantage of export markets, especially when Vietnam joins many agreements such as the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

- What do you think about the improvement of science and technology application in agriculture, which has promoted domestic production and exports of Vietnam’s agricultural sector?

Deputy Bui Thanh Tung: Having experienced managing science and technology tasks, I think that in the agricultural field, the application of science and technology has brought about the most effective results. All of our agricultural products today have applied scientific and technological advances.

We need to pay more attention to the synchronous application of scientific research and technology in the field of agricultural and aquatic production. It is necessary to build a synchronous production chain among farmers, households and cooperatives, businesses, market supply chains and State agencies to create a commodity agricultural sector, serving domestic demand and exports to international markets, including difficult ones.

How can agriculture 'overcome' natural disasters?

- Although agriculture has played a very important role in socio-economic development, it is vulnerable to rain and flooding. What solutions should be taken to minimise these impacts?

NA Deputy Huynh Thanh Canh, Standing Deputy Secretary of Binh Thuan Province’s Party Committee, Head of Binh Thuan NA Delegation, and member of the NA Economic Committee: I think that, despite the difficult circumstances, the agricultural sector has achieved positive results, especially in 2020.

NA Deputy Huynh Thanh Canh, Standing Deputy Secretary of Binh Thuan Province’s Party Committee, Head of Binh Thuan NA Delegation, and member of the NA Economic Committee (Photo: Xuan Mai/Vietnam+)

In the face of the unpredictable changes of the current climate, I think it is necessary to re-evaluate the impacts of natural disasters on agriculture in order to restructure production and provide appropriate solutions. Along with that, we need to have investment policies supporting affected areas to help local residents develop production.

- For areas with constant storms and flooding, what are your suggestions on the development of the agricultural economy?

NA Delegate Hoang Duc Thang, Head of Quang Tri NA Delegation and member of the NA Committee for Social Affairs: I think that restructuring production is the most important. The production must avoid times of rain and flooding, then we can protect our labour.

(Photo: Xuan Mai/Vietnam+)

Flood- and storm-hit areas also need to convert seedlings and breeds so that they are suitable with the real situation. What plants to grow? What kinds of animal to raise? All must be considered carefully to avoid negative impacts from natural disasters.

- Thank you deputies for your sharing./.