As climate volatility intensifies and export standards tighten, farmers in Vietnam are turning to data-driven technologies to improve productivity, reduce resource use, and meet the evolving demands of global markets.

Amid
increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and tightening
export market requirements, agriculture can no longer rely solely on
traditional experience. The adoption of digital technologies is emerging as a
critical pathway to enhance productivity, optimize resource use, and strengthen
long-term sustainability.

From
intuition-based farming to data-driven decisions

A
defining feature of digital agriculture is its capacity
to replace intuition with precise, real-time data.

At
a recent farmer engagement event organized by Bayer
in Lai Vung district, a range of advanced
digital solutions was introduced to local growers. These included smart sensor
systems capable of measuring water salinity, soil pH levels, and crop nutrient requirements in real time. Such tools
enable farmers to tailor cultivation practices to specific zones within their
orchards, improving efficiency and crop health.

Complementing
these systems are upgraded irrigation technologies, including
drip and precision spraying methods, which can reduce water usage by up
to 40 per cent compared to conventional flooding techniques – an increasingly
critical advantage during periods of drought. Automated spraying devices
further enhance efficiency by producing ultra-fine droplets that adhere evenly
to both sides of leaves, improving absorption while reducing chemical use and limiting farmers’ direct exposure to
crop protection products.

Bridging
farmers and expertise through digital platforms

Beyond
hardware, digital platforms are playing a growing role in
connecting farmers with technical expertise.

Solutions
such as B-Anywhere provide integrated channels for knowledge exchange through
tools like Zalo Mini Apps and livestream
advisory sessions. These platforms enable farmers to
access timely guidance directly from experts, allowing rapid responses to
emerging challenges such as pest outbreaks or sudden weather shifts.

For
farmers like Mr. Le Minh Nhut, who manages more than 10
hectares of durian orchards in Lai Vung, such innovations are becoming essential. “Durian is a high-value crop, but
sustainable production and export compliance require standardized farming
practices,” he noted. By adopting automated irrigation systems, advanced
cultivation processes, and biological solutions, he has reported improved
outcomes in both yield and quality.

Scaling
precision agriculture for export-oriented production

Looking
ahead, Bayer is preparing to roll out a large-scale project across 3,000
hectares of durian farms in Central Vietnam and the Central Highlands. The
initiative aims to standardize farming practices in line with export
requirements while integrating a comprehensive suite of technologies.

These
include precision irrigation systems combined with fertigation, automated
spraying equipment, and microclimate weather stations designed to provide early
warnings of environmental risks. Such integration enables farmers to anticipate
and mitigate potential disruptions more effectively.

Mr. Jeremy Williams, Vice President, Head of Global Digital
Farming, Bayer said “Outcomes in agriculture do not come from innovation alone,
but from how decisions are made, how timing is managed, and how practices are
executed under real field conditions. Digital tools, when combined with strong
agronomy and trusted partnerships, can help reduce uncertainty, improve
decision-making, and enable farmers to build sustainable productivity over
time.”

A
practical, farmer-centric approach to sustainable agriculture

This
pragmatic, farmer-first approach has been positively received by stakeholders.
Ms. Huynh Kim Dinh, Deputy
Director of the National Agricultural Extension Center, emphasized the
importance of translating strategy into tangible outcomes.

“In
the current context, supporting farmers cannot remain at the level of slogans.
It must be realized through practical solutions, technologies, and knowledge
that empower them to take control of their production and move towards greener,
more sustainable agriculture,” she stated.

The
convergence of traditional farming experience and digital tools is opening new
pathways for Vietnamese agriculture. As farmers gain greater control over
technology, they are not only improving product quality and value but also
strengthening their capacity to meet the increasingly stringent demands of
global markets.

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