Ho Chi Minh City eyes modern, sustainable urban farming

Ho Chi Minh City plans to make urban agriculture modern and sustainable, focusing on restructuring and development of new-style rural areas, Nguyễn Hồ Hải, deputy secretary of its Party Committee, has said.

An aquaponic farm in Long Hưng Commune in HCM City’s Bình Chánh District has adopted one of the city’s hi-tech farming models. —VNA/VNS Photo Xuân Dự

Addressing a meeting with district farmers associations late last week, he said the city would develop hi-tech and clean agriculture and foster research and use of bio-technology to create high-yield and high-quality varieties.

He wanted the city Farmers Association to collaborate with district and other relevant authorities to promote efficient agricultural models and use of technology to improve farmers’ incomes.

The association and local authorities should learn about farmers’ difficulties and problems and propose solutions, he said.

Lê Thị Thanh, deputy chairwoman of the Hóc Môn District Farmers Association, said the city should issue clear regulations for building greenhouses and net houses on agricultural lands, and help farmers make plans that enable them to easily borrow from credit institutions. 

Nguyễn Văn Thuận, chairman of the Củ Chi District Farmers Association, called for increasing the maximum area of a temporary construction since 15 square metres is too small to meet even the basic needs of farmers.

Võ Văn Hoan, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, instructed the departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Planning and Investment to help promote agricultural restructuring and draw up regulations to help farmers get bank loans.

He also instructed the Department of Construction and other relevant agencies to amend the regulations related to temporary constructions.

Agriculture plays an important role in the city’s economy, and needs special attention, he said.

Nguyễn Thanh Xuân, chairwoman of the city Farmers Association, said agricultural production was worth nearly VNĐ18.6 trillion (US$823 million) last year, an increase of 13.7 per cent from 2020.

The city has 113,664 hectare of agricultural lands and around 50,000 people working in the sector.

Most of its produce is consumed in the city, while items like ornamental fishes and flowers and spices are also exported.