Developing Green Value Chains

Green agriculture is no longer a broad concept but has entered a phase of decisive action. With the direction that “production – processing – consumption” must transition toward a green, environmentally friendly, and low-emission model, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is implementing a series of specific solutions. The goal is not only to increase productivity but also to reduce climate change impacts and enhance the position of Vietnamese agricultural products in international markets.

Starting with the reorganization of production, the Ministry is urging local authorities and enterprises to reduce small-scale, fragmented production and replace it with concentrated farming models with clearly defined raw material zones. In crop production, the promotion of the “1 Must, 5 Reductions” process and alternate wetting and drying irrigation in fields to reduce methane emissions has been selected as a model approach.

Livestock production is encouraged to adopt biogas systems, treat waste with microorganisms, and adjust feed rations to reduce nitrogen emissions. Forestry is being reoriented toward the development of large timber forests, international certification, and enhanced biodiversity conservation combined with sustainable livelihoods for people living in buffer zones. As production changes, emissions decrease and resources are used more efficiently.

Value chain linkages are another key focus. Deputy Minister Phùng Đức Tiến stated: “Developing green value chains is an inevitable step toward building a low-emission agriculture that minimizes environmental harm while optimizing economic benefits and improving people’s quality of life.” At the same time, the Ministry is promoting the development of concentrated raw material zones, deep processing, cold-chain logistics, electronic signatures, and QR codes to ensure sustainable consumption.

Digital Transformation as a Strategic Priority

Technology and digital transformation are positioned as strategic priorities. The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment identifies databases on land, natural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and natural disasters as the foundation for “smart” production. Alongside this, strong directives are being implemented to shift crops in line with soil and climate conditions, reduce chemical inputs, increase organic fertilizers, and restore soil fertility. As a result, the use of land, water resources, and biodiversity is moving toward a “green” state rather than one of “maximum exploitation.”

In terms of support mechanisms, the Ministry is coordinating with financial institutions to create favorable conditions for “green capital” to flow into agriculture. Low-emission production models, organic agriculture, and circular agriculture will gain better access to preferential credit. In addition, international certification standards and clear traceability are regarded as essential proof points.

Equally important are monitoring and evaluation activities. Deputy Minister Phùng Đức Tiến emphasized that only through close coordination among the State, businesses, farmers, and international organizations can production activities comprehensively transform the agricultural production and consumption ecosystem toward a modern, green, and globally competitive sector. The Ministry requires all programs and projects to have clear evaluation indicators, transparent data, and regular reporting to avoid “token implementation.”

Through restructuring value chains and applying digital technologies in practice, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is gradually creating a “breakthrough” for green agriculture.