Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Quốc Dũng speaking at a conference on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation for agricultural growth. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Quốc Dũng urged effort to accelerate the establishment of a national science and technology exchange platform this month as part of efforts to promote innovation, digital transformation and productivity growth in agriculture.

Speaking at a conference on science and technology, innovation and digital transformation for agricultural growth in the southern region held in Cần Thơ City on November 2, Dũng said the application of new technologies was a strategic step towards creating fresh momentum for agricultural development.

Dũng said Việt Nam continued to face structural challenges that were undermining the efficiency and competitiveness of the agricultural sector, including a growth model driven by production expansion and low crop productivity.

Agricultural logistics costs remained high, reaching as much as 30 per cent in some areas, while post-harvest losses ranged from 20 per cent to 30 per cent.

The sector also remained heavily dependent on imported inputs, with more than $8 billion spent annually on importing fertilisers, animal feed, aquaculture materials and other supplies.

Dũng called on coordinated efforts to modernise agricultural production, strengthen data infrastructure and improve market transparency.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment was asked to study the establishment of a national agricultural commodities exchange to improve market transparency.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Science and Technology must prioritise the development of feasible mechanisms to support the commercialisation of promising research products, focus on shared laboratory infrastructure and accelerate the establishment of a national science and technology exchange in November.

The Ministry of Public Security will coordinate the integration of identification data for production entities and raw-material areas, including growing-area codes, while strengthening inspections and cracking down on trade fraud and counterfeit products involving seeds, fertilisers, animal feed and plant protection chemicals.

All reviews and proposed solutions to outstanding difficulties must be completed and submitted to the Prime Minister before December 15, he added. — VNS