Farmers urged to speed up sci-technological applications

Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue urged farmers to accelerate the application of new scientific and technological advances in the context of the country’s extensive international integration.

He was addressing the first Vietnamese Farmers’ Forum themed “Global farmers: from mindsets to actions” held by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers’ Association in Hanoi on October 16.

He reiterated that agriculture, farmers and rural areas have been defined to hold a strategic role in the country’s industrialization and modernization and provide a fundamental, important force to spur sustainable socio-economic development.

Cheap labour force and abundant natural resources are advantages but the quality of labour force and low productivity are disadvantages of the agricultural sector, Hue said.

Scientific and technological applications and market research have been carried out by many farmers and producers but still fell short of expectations, he told participants.

The agricultural sector has been dealing low productivity, high risks, small-scale production, and big markets, he noted, asking participants to brainstorm to tackle them.

According to President of the Vietnam Farmers’ Association Lai Xuan Mon, accurate assessments of shortcomings and weaknesses in both mindsets and actions in the agricultural and rural development are needed in order to meet stricter requirements of the country’s broader international integration.

The forum looks to enable farmers to converse with policy makers, managers, scientists, specialists, and businesses to seek solutions to the quality and safety of local farm products for local and overseas consumption, the linkages between farmers and businesses, and mechanisms, resources and investment for agriculture, farmers and rural areas.-VNA