Hà Nội hi-tech farm expansion remains slow

Agricultural production in the capital city remains small-scale and outdated, despite successful land reform and investment in irrigation networks for many years, says the Nông Thôn Ngày Nay (Countryside Today) newspaper. — VNA/ VNS Photo Nguyễn Dũng

HÀ NỘI – Agricultural production in the capital city remains small-scale and outdated, despite successful land reform and investment in irrigation networks for many years, says the Nông Thôn Ngày Nay (Countryside Today) newspaper.

The outdated production methods are due to slow application of modern technologies, and it has led to low economic values.

Land use certificates have been successfully granted, which is a prerequisite for farmers to expand production or contribute land as a capital contribution to investment projects.

However, the city’s agricultural production has not yet reaped high economic value because most of households still use traditional production methods.

Explaining the slow application of technology in agricultural production, chairman of Quốc Oai District People’s Committee, Nguyễn Mạnh Quyền, told the paper that “at present the municipal authority fixed land areas for rice planting”.

“This is an obstacle for transitioning the land for other crops that require high technologies and bring higher economic values”, said Quyền.

However, in Quốc Oai District, some businesses have bought lands from residents to set up hi-tech farms and achieved some progresses, he said.

Still, though, businesses face the difficult fact that agricultural land prices  rocket upward when locals hear about hi-tech farming projects, he said.

Analysing the situation, Dr. Đặng Văn Đông, director of Vegetable and Fruit Institute, said “this is due to ineffective management and a lack of close co-operation among farmers, businesses, scientists and authorities”.

“So far, we haven’t mobilised sources from domestic private and foreign businesses to invest in hi-tech farming”, he said.

Chu Phú Mỹ, director of Hà Nội Agriculture and Rural Development Department, said in the context of fierce climate change and rapid urbanisation, farming is indispensable to surviving and competing in the international integration process.

The capital city set a goal that by 2020, hi-tech- agricultural production value will account for 35 per cent of the total agricultural value.

However, so far, the hi-tech in farming area designated for the period of 2016-2020 is still slow, according to review of the city’s steering committee of new rural development.

According to Hà Minh Hải, director of Hà Nội Finance Department, appropriate policies are considered a prerequisite for luring capital to hi-tech farming. Each local needs to review agricultural production plans to attract investors.