Experts make policy recommendations to foster Agriculture 4.0

Scene at the seminar (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Experts outlined challenges and made policy recommendations to enhance the use of advanced technology in agriculture during a seminar on approaching Agriculture 4.0 held by the Central Institute for Economic Management (CIEM) in Hanoi on November 9. Addressing the event, CIEM Deputy Director Phan Duc Hieu said that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Industry 4.0) has increased efficiency in agriculture for many countries. In Vietnam, several agribusinesses have applied digital technologies in their production stages, from seedling and cultivation to harvest and distribution, he said. Though Industry 4.0 helps reduce labour intensity and improve productivity for the sector, few companies have made proper use of the technology, he noted, emphasising the need to formulate policies to foster better high-tech approaches amongst agribusinesses. Nguyen Thi Luyen, head of the CIEM’s Department of Economic Institution, mentioned the significance of agriculture in the country’s economic growth, saying the sector has enjoyed an increasing trade surplus, which has exceeded 8 billion USD so far this year, not to mention providing 40 percent of the nation’s total employment. Vietnam will see stronger waves of technological innovation in agriculture as it works towards further international integration and trade liberalisation, yet competition will also become stiffer, Luyen noted. To satisfy the growing demand of consumers, companies should be striving to apply the latest Industry 4.0 advancements, like smart agriculture sensors, Internet of Things, drones, farming robots, or smart financial management in farms, she suggested. She moved on to cite… [Read full story]