Resolution 57 of the Politburo is regarded as a “guiding compass” for science, technology, and innovation to become key drivers of the country’s sustainable development. For Tây Ninh—one of the localities with strong agricultural advantages—this resolution opens a new path in the transition from traditional production to knowledge-based, technology-driven, and digital agriculture.

Mr. Võ Minh Thành, Director of the Tây Ninh Department of Agriculture and Environment, shared these views with the Newspaper of Agriculture and Environment.

Question: How do you assess the significance of Resolution 57 for the agricultural sector of Tây Ninh?

Answer: Resolution 57 is a major turning point, providing a clear direction for the transition from traditional agriculture to knowledge-based, technology-driven, and digital agriculture. This is not merely a technical shift, but a comprehensive change in development thinking—from “increasing output” to “increasing value,” and from “dependence on nature” to “proactive management through knowledge and technology.”

The Resolution creates an important legal framework to promote cooperation among the “four stakeholders”: the State, scientists, businesses, and farmers, forming an innovation ecosystem in agriculture. When knowledge and technology are integrated into production, farmers are no longer merely “laborers” but become central actors in the digital transformation process. In particular, science and technology enhance climate change adaptation, not only improving productivity but also reducing emissions, enabling by-product reuse, developing circular agriculture, and fostering environmentally friendly practices in line with the orientation toward a “green economy and sustainable development.”

In addition, fields such as biotechnology, automation, big data, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are being encouraged for application in production, processing, traceability, and product marketing. This represents a transformative shift, helping to reduce production costs, increase productivity, and enhance the quality and competitiveness of agricultural products.

Question: Tây Ninh has many favorable conditions to realize the spirit of the Resolution. Could you share more about these advantages?

Answer: Tây Ninh is endowed with fertile land, making it highly suitable for food crops, vegetables, fruit trees, industrial crops, and large-scale livestock farming. From a traditional agricultural base, Tây Ninh has continuously innovated, moving toward a green, modern, and sustainable agricultural model where product quality, the environment, and public health are placed at the forefront.

In particular, Dầu Tiếng Lake—the largest irrigation project in the country—ensures a stable year-round water supply, creating a solid foundation for agricultural production. The province is also located at a key trade gateway, bordering Cambodia and enjoying convenient connectivity with Ho Chi Minh City and the Southern Key Economic Region, opening up major opportunities for agricultural processing and exports.

The administrative merger has created a larger agricultural development space, enabling the planning of large-scale specialized production zones that combine the strengths of the two former localities (the key rice-growing areas of the Đồng Tháp Mười region and zones of high-value fruit crops, industrial crops, and livestock).

With more than 600,000 hectares of agricultural land, Tây Ninh is accelerating high-tech agriculture, focusing on transferring science and technology linked to key crops such as rice, custard apple, seedless lime, dragon fruit, rubber, and sugarcane, while also developing large-scale livestock farming and modern aquaculture.

Currently, Tây Ninh leads the southern region in high-tech livestock development, with many large-scale poultry, beef, and dairy processing and export complexes moving toward international markets. The province is also a pioneer in applying digital technologies in crop production, establishing numerous production zones that meet VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic standards, toward green and sustainable agriculture.

To date, agricultural products from Tây Ninh have reached more than 40 international markets, reinforcing the province’s brand and credibility. Among these, a chain of 12 high-tech agricultural projects implemented by De Heus Group (Netherlands) and Hùng Nhơn Group stands out, forming a closed ecosystem from raw material zones and breeding stock to farming, processing, and export. This model serves as a benchmark, helping standardize production processes and enhance the competitiveness of Tây Ninh’s livestock sector.

Question: Resolution 57 also calls for a shift from “administrative management” to “smart governance.” What preparations has Tây Ninh made to align with this spirit?

Answer: Tây Ninh has set targets that by 2030, the digital economy will account for 30% of GRDP, its digital transformation index (DTI) will rank among the top 10 nationwide, and at least 3% of the annual budget will be allocated to the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation.

Riêng lĩnh vực nông nghiệp, Sở Nông nghiệp và Môi trường đã ban hành kế hoạch hành động cụ thể để thực thi Nghị quyết 57. Mục tiêu là nâng cao năng lực, sức cạnh tranh và thúc đẩy đổi mới sáng tạo, qua đó gia tăng năng suất, chất lượng và giá trị gia tăng trong lĩnh vực nông nghiệp – môi trường.

Ngành cùng với tỉnh Tây Ninh hướng tới xây dựng chính quyền số, kinh tế số, xã hội số hiện đại, minh bạch, cung cấp dịch vụ công trực tuyến toàn trình; đồng thời phát triển nguồn nhân lực chất lượng cao, kỹ năng số cho cán bộ, công chức, viên chức. Phấn đấu đến năm 2025, 100% cán bộ được bồi dưỡng kỹ năng số cơ bản, 80% làm chủ công nghệ số trong quản lý, điều hành; 60% dữ liệu ngành được tích hợp, chia sẻ trên trục liên thông dữ liệu.

To realize the goal of comprehensive digital transformation, the Tây Ninh Department of Agriculture and Environment is focusing on the coordinated implementation of several key task groups.

First is raising awareness and strengthening political commitment. The department is promoting communication, training, and launching the “Digital Literacy for All” movement across the entire system, considering it a crucial first step in enabling officials and workers to master technology. Digital transformation efforts are also closely linked to emulation and reward programs to create broad motivation and momentum.

At the same time, the department is advising the province on completing institutional frameworks and flexible financial mechanisms, simplifying administrative procedures, and cutting unnecessary processes to create the most favorable environment for citizens and businesses to access and apply science and technology. Another key focus is investing in digital infrastructure and sectoral databases. Tây Ninh is building and updating databases on land, natural resources, and the environment, while also applying modern technologies such as AI and IoT to disaster forecasting, climate change monitoring, and more effective resource management.

In parallel, the province in general and the agricultural sector in particular are prioritizing the development of science and technology human resources to ensure a strong foundation for sustainable digital transformation. In addition, enterprises are encouraged to innovate boldly and apply high technologies in smart agriculture, e-commerce, and the development of digital brands for local agricultural products, expanding their participation in global supply chains.

Finally, the province is strengthening international cooperation and regional linkages, especially with Ho Chi Minh City and major domestic and international technology enterprises, to share experience, access new knowledge, and create strong momentum for the digital transformation of the agricultural sector.

With strong determination, a clear roadmap, and close coordination across all levels and sectors, I believe that Tây Ninh will soon become a pioneer in high-tech agriculture, developing in a modern, green, sustainable, and internationally integrated direction.