Bac Giang (VNA) ꧟– The northern province of Bac Giang is setting the stage for a significant transformation in its agriculture sector, aiming to have around 60 cooperatives utilising high-tech solutions in production by the end of 2024.

The information was announced by Phan The Tuan, Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, saying this part of a strategy to enhance the province's agricultural productivity and sustainability through technological innovation. In addition to the cooperatives using hi-tech, the province also plans to engage 200 agricultural cooperatives in product consumption in accordance to value chains. These cooperatives will play a crucial role in the province's agricultural ecosystem by providing essential inputs such as seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and various supporting services. Moreover, they will secure output contracts, particularly for crops like vegetables, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, pineapples, lychees, and longans. These contracts will help stabilise income for local farmers and ensure a steady supply of raw materials for processing and export. The province has set ambitious targets to further develop its cooperative sector by 2025. It plans to establish at least 80 new cooperatives, which will bring an additional 500-600 members. Additionally, the province aims to integrate 30 new units into the provincial cooperative alliance, strengthening the overall cooperative network. The province aims to increase the number of cooperatives classified as good or excellent by 6% compared to 2024. High-tech adoption will be at the forefront of this improvement, with a target of 80 cooperatives applying advanced technologies in their operations. Furthermore, 220 agricultural cooperatives are expected to collaborate closely with enterprises in value chain production, ensuring that the entire agricultural process, from input provision to market access, is streamlined and efficient. To support these ambitious goals, the province will focus on several key areas. At least 30 cooperatives will receive assistance in trade promotion and market expansion activities, helping them to reach new customers and increase their competitiveness.

The province also plans to support 11 cooperatives in attracting young workers, addressing the challenge of an aging agricultural workforce. In addition, 25 newly established cooperatives will receive assistance in developing essential infrastructure, such as packaging, labeling, product traceability systems, and websites, to enhance their market presence. Financial support will be crucial for these initiatives. The province plans to increase the cooperative development support fund to 30 billion VND (1.2 million USD), providing cooperatives with better access to financial resources. This fund will help cooperatives invest in new technologies, improve their operations, and expand their market reach. The province’s commitment to develop a dynamic, efficient, and sustainable collective economy is evident in its focus on fostering high-quality cooperative models. The province is not just looking at quantity but is also emphasising the quality and effectiveness of its cooperatives. Digital transformation and high-tech applications are the focuses of this strategy, with an emphasis on integrating production with value chains. This approach will help cooperatives produce high-quality products that meet international standards, enhancing their competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. As of December 31, 2024, the province expects to have a total of 1,177 cooperatives, involving around 43,375 members. The average revenue per cooperative involved in production is projected to reach 1.7 billion VND per year, with an average profit of 250 million VND per cooperative, reflecting an 8% increase from 2023. Bac Giang has already made strides in integrating high-tech solutions into its agriculture sector. The province has established five cooperatives that are utilizing Industry 4.0 technologies and five startup agricultural cooperatives that are applying advanced tech solutions. These cooperatives are engaged in various activities, including fruit cultivation, medicinal plant production, producing Chau Son rice noodles, organic pork production, greenhouse-grown vegetables and flowers, and aquaculture. These initiatives are part of a broader project titled "Supporting the Development of 4.0 Technology Cooperatives and High-Tech Agricultural Startups," which runs from 2021 to 2025. Through this project, the province aims to create model cooperatives that can serve as examples for others, showcasing how technology can be leveraged to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. The province’s proactive approach to developing its cooperative sector, with a strong emphasis on high-tech applications and value chain integration, positions it as a leader in modernising Vietnam's agricultural landscape./.