University asked to engage businesses in organic farming

Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam National University of Agriculture should seek to encourage businesses to reduce the use of pesticide and increase investment on organic and high-quality agriculture to achieve the green growth target, said Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Attending the 60th founding anniversary of the university in Hanoi on December 10, he said the agricultural sector needs to forge ahead with reform to cope with challenges such as climate change, sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, declining production value, agricultural income inequality, and increasing non-agricultural activities, he said.

Others concerning issues include drawing private and foreign investment, developing agricultural cooperatives, devising land policies, and promoting farm produce brands, he noted.

In the context of the fourth industrial revolution, it is necessary to seek measures for Vietnam’s agriculture to become a model, but not to lag behind, he stressed.

The PM urged the university to study strategic priorities on rural infrastructure, early weather warning systems, diseases management, environmental institutional capacity, and farming tools usage.

He also ordered initiatives to improve the production system, and increase the quality of products and local income.

He suggested building agricultural clusters and forging connectivity between farmers and businesses.

On the occasion, the PM presented the second Ho Chi Minh Order to the university.

Established in October 1956, the Vietnam National University of Agriculture has trained over 90,000 local and foreign students in the fields of plantation, flora protection, land management, animal husbandry, veterinary, and aquaculture./.