Digital transformation in agriculture brings great value. But for digital transformation to take place strongly, many solutions are needed, first of all, building data.

Digital technology is increasingly widely applied

According to the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Overview Report 2021 developed by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (MARD) and the Vietnam Digital Agriculture Association (VIDA), in Vietnam’s agriculture today, the promotion of Strongly developing scientific research, optimizing the application of technology, being more proactive in the digital transformation process has been creating values ​​beyond expectations, which will be the foundation for changes. large in the industry.

In farming, technology, the internet of things (IoT) platform; big data (Big Data); artificial intelligence (AI); autonomous technology (robotics); Sensors … began to be applied through digital technology products such as software that allows analyzing data about the environment, genetic resources, plants and plant growth stages, consumers can can access and track these parameters in real time…

If in 2016, Vietnam had only 1 company working on electronic traceability, now, new technologies such as blockchain technology (blockchain) applied in traceability have been and are being used by many people. research and development company.

IoT technology, blockchain technology, biotechnology are applied in large-scale livestock farms. The beef industry applies digital technology the most, with the most prominent models being the modern farms of TH True Milk and Vinamilk.

In forestry, application of barcode technology in the management of forest varieties and forest products; using geographic information systems and remote sensing images to build software for early detection and warning of forest fires from satellite images, monitoring and early detection software for deforestation, forest degradation…

In fisheries, argument transfer is as strong as the use of ultrasonic fish detectors, flow meters, satellite phones; seine receiver (standing); capture and drop net capture system, GIS and GPS technology to help manage offshore fishing fleet.

Recirculating aquaculture systems – RAS, biofloc technology, and nanotechnology are also being increasingly used in aquaculture. Artificial intelligence technology has been used in shrimp farming to analyze water quality data; feed management and shrimp health.

Automation technology has been widely applied in seafood processing, from sorting, steaming, packaging, production lines… to help reduce production costs and ensure product quality.

It can be seen that the enterprises in the agricultural industry themselves have been very active in the process of finding the right opportunities and technology, especially the requirements from the buyers, the large international market to ensure advantage and meet the high requirements of transparency in the process of incubation, cultivation, harvesting, processing, preservation, even logistics.

The reality has shown very clear achievements of the process of applying science, technology, digital transformation as well as the importance and urgency of this process.

Going behind many countries in the region

However, digital transformation in agriculture is still lagging behind many countries in the region. For example, in China, through a long process of concentrated development and key investment, the country is promoting the process of developing digital agriculture associated with rural areas, with contents such as: Building a system collect data from space, air and ground; integrating digital technology with industrial, production and management systems; Enhancing the digital literacy of farmers…

China is the only country applying AI to livestock to minimize risks. For example, in diagnosing swine diseases, AI can help diagnose individual abnormalities through body temperature, cough sounds and make preliminary diagnoses based on stored data. store and inform the breeder to give the correct treatment.

In agriculture, Thailand implements digital transformation from farm to fork through the concept of precision agriculture, focusing on the application of digital technology including sensor technology, image analysis, site management software. farms, as well as AI and robots to optimize factory operations, increase productivity and output in livestock.

Farmers and agricultural producers can accurately monitor and control the production process, support traceability, thereby promoting overall productivity and product quality.

Must build data

According to Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Vice President of VIDA, General Director of Nafoods Group, many agricultural enterprises have been quietly digital transformation in their businesses, including Nafoods. Nafoods Group is promoting the application of digitalization in the value chain, from seed, care, processing to logistics.

To promote digital transformation in the value chain, Nafoods launched a fish model. Accordingly, Nafoods only owns the core of the fish head and backbone. First is technology, data. The backbone consists of 4 vertebrae: The first vertebra is the same; 2nd vertebra is planting and rearing; 3rd vertebra is the logistics and processing chain; The last vertebra is consumed.

In order for this model to be successful, a lot of “bones” are needed to plug into the “vertebrae” of Nafoods. Those “bones” are the partners, farmers, employees, customers…, and they must all enjoy commensurate value.

Mr. Hung compared this model to a form of Grab in agriculture. Grab only owns the backbone and head, but has created a large playground with hundreds of thousands and millions of vehicles participating and operating very efficiently.

Mr. Hung said that for successful digital transformation, it is necessary to industrialization in agricultural production, each fruit farm is no longer a farm but must be like a fruit factory. Currently, Nafoods is building standard models, growing passion fruit industrially, so that all passion fruit trees are the same.

But according to Mr. Hung, in order to digitize, data must first be available. To have data, individual businesses cannot do it, but must have the synergy of businesses. In addition, there is the participation of relevant ministries and branches.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thu, Chairwoman of Bagico said that the state must play a key role to promote digital transformation in agriculture. The state budget must be the main resource to do this work.

However, as the direct beneficiaries of digital transformation, each business and farmer must also be responsible and actively participate. For example, in the construction of data, tens of millions of farmers involved will form a huge data warehouse.