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Via ++t Nam's Agricultural Transformation: A Shift towards Sustainable and High-Value Production

Strategic Insights

— 3 min read

In the face of years of agricultural stagnation, Via ++t Nam has achieved remarkable success in transforming its agricultural sector, making it a leading player in the global food supply chain. This transformation began after the Sixth National Party Congress in 1986, when the Communist Party designated agriculture as a top priority. A series of bold reforms followed, including the Politburo's Resolution 10-NQ/TW, which gave farmers autonomy in production and business on allocated land plots over extended periods. This policy was a crucial part of the Aa *i Ma i (Renewal) policy, empowering farmers and injecting vitality into Via ++t Nam's agricultural development.

The introduction of over 1,600 new rice varieties with improved yields, quality, and resilience has marked a major turning point for Vietnamese agriculture. Unhusked rice productivity averages up to 7.2 tonnes per hectare nationwide, consolidating Via ++t Nam's place among the world's top rice exporters. The use of modern equipment has reduced labor, shortened production cycles, boosted economic efficiency, and minimized post-harvest losses. Meanwhile, advanced cultivation techniques have been widely adopted, promoting safe and environmentally friendly farming practices.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE), the output of unhusked rice between 1976 and 1980 averaged just 13-14 million tonnes annually. In 1978, production fell to a historic low of 9.8 million tonnes, forcing Via ++t Nam to import nearly 1.6 million tonnes of milled rice per year. However, this situation has dramatically changed over the years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Via ++t Nam has developed and introduced over 1,600 new rice varieties with improved yields, quality, and resilience, leading to a significant increase in productivity and exports.
  • Unhulled rice productivity averages up to 7.2 tonnes per hectare nationwide, consolidating Via ++t Nam's place among the world's top rice exporters.
  • The use of modern equipment has reduced labor by 70% and shortened production cycles by 30% for land preparation and harvesting.
  • Advanced cultivation techniques have been widely adopted, promoting safe and environmentally friendly farming practices, such as the system of rice intensification, integrated pest management, VietGAP, GlobalGAP, and organic farming.
  • Many flagship varieties, such as ST24 and ST25, have been recognized among the world's finest, with over 80% of Vietnam's rice exports being high-value products.
  • The focus is shifting towards premium products, including organic shrimp, specialty coffee, and processed fruit.
  • Vietnamese agriculture has also been transformed through the introduction of modern rural areas and a civilized farming community, with over 70% of communes meeting new-style rural area standards.
  • New-style cooperatives and cooperative groups are flourishing, strengthening farmer links within value chains.
  • The One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program has created over 8,400 products, with 65% rated three stars or higher.
  • The government has adopted a strategy for sustainable agricultural and rural development for 2021-2030, aiming to increase exports to $60-70 billion by 2030 and achieve 100% of communes with new-style rural area status.

Statistics:

  • Via ++t Nam exported 6-7 million tonnes of milled rice annually since 2010, with the volume approximating 8.3 million tonnes in 2023, generating nearly $4.8 billion.
  • In the first half of 2025 alone, total agro-forestry-fishery exports hit $33.8 billion, up 15.5% from a year earlier, with a trade surplus of $9.8 billion - a year-on-year increase of 16.5%.
  • This year, the agricultural sector targets a record export value of $70 billion, with rice exports expected to reach 4.9 million tonnes, bringing home over $2.5 billion in revenue.
  • Via ++t Nam now leads the world in cashew exports, ranks second in rice and coffee, third in fruits and vegetables, and fourth in aquatic products.

Sources:

  • National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE)
  • Professor Dr. TraoSSn Aa (c)c Vien, former Director of the Via ++t Nam National University of Agriculture
  • Director General of the ministry's Department of International Cooperation Dr. Nguya ...n Aa -- Anh TuaoY=n
  • Resolution 10-NQ/TW, dated April 5, 1988
  • Aa *i Ma i (Renewal) policy
  • Sixth National Party Congress in 1986
  • One Commune, One Product (OCOP) program

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