Party General Secretary Tô Lâm and delegates at the ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of agriculture and environment administration and the first Patriotic Emulation Congress held on Wednesday in Hà Nội. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Party General Secretary Tô Lâm has emphasised that the agriculture and environment sector must further refine its institutions and policies to build a strategic foundation for Việt Nam’s next stage of development, one driven by science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and data.

These priorities are among six key tasks for the sector to focus on its mission to help build a green, prosperous and sustainable Việt Nam.

He made the remarks at a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of agriculture and environment administration and the first Patriotic Emulation Congress held on Wednesday in Hà Nội.

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Trần Đức Thắng noted that over the past eight decades, the sector has consistently improved its legal frameworks and development strategies, becoming a cornerstone of sustainable growth by integrating natural resource management, environmental protection, green growth and climate adaptation.

The year 2025 marks a historic milestone, as the 15th National Assembly approved the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, creating the new Ministry of Agriculture and Environment on March 1. This major institutional reform aims to meet the demands of rapid and sustainable growth in the modern era.

Following the merger, the ministry swiftly consolidated its organisation, ensuring smooth, effective operations.

The ministry was honoured with the First-Class Labour Order and recognised 30 co-operatives, 24 exemplary farmers and farm owners, 57 collectives and 151 outstanding individuals for their achievements in the 2020–2025 patriotic emulation movement.

Party General Secretary Tô Lâm presents the First-Class Labour Order to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

Addressing attendees at the ceremony, Lâm confirmed that the agriculture and environment sector holds a strategic position in national development. On behalf of the Party and State leadership, he commended the contributions of officials, civil servants and workers across the sector.

He also pointed out that agriculture and the environment face mounting challenges from resource depletion, pollution and climate change to structural constraints within rural economies, which are becoming significant bottlenecks to rapid, sustainable growth.

The General Secretary called for stronger vision, determination and action, outlining six priorities for the agriculture and environment sector.

First, he emphasised the need for institutional reform. The Government should accelerate the incorporation of the Party’s resolutions on agriculture, farmers, rural areas and environmental protection into law. It must continue improving legislation on land, water resources, minerals and environmental management to ensure coherence, feasibility and a fair balance between the interests of the State, citizens and businesses.

He reiterated that land must remain a special national asset under unified State management, with strict oversight to guarantee transparency and accountability in land use and resource allocation.

The Party chief also highlighted the importance of science and technology. Innovation should be placed at the centre of agricultural production, covering all stages from crop and livestock breeding to biotechnology, automation, traceability, logistics and digital trade, he said.

Lâm called for stronger collaboration among scientists, enterprises, co-operatives and farmers within value chains to promote sustainable and efficient agricultural development.

A third area of focus should be resource and ecosystem management. The sector must enhance the planning, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. It should work to restore rivers, lakes and groundwater; control pollution; and strengthen climate resilience, particularly in the Mekong Delta, the North Central region, the Central Highlands and coastal areas.

The General Secretary also urged the upgrading of irrigation and flood prevention infrastructure, the application of advanced warning technologies and the rehabilitation of protective and mangrove forests, while addressing pollution hotspots in urban, industrial and craft village areas.

Another requirement for the industry is administrative reform and resource mobilisation. Bureaucratic bottlenecks must be removed, and overlaps in land and environmental management eliminated. The sector should create better access to capital and technology for farmers and businesses.

Lâm called for stronger decentralisation with clear accountability and the mobilisation of private investment in green agriculture, processing industries, renewable energy and circular economy projects.

He also encouraged agricultural restructuring toward ecological and high-value production. The focus should shift from quantity to quality, from increased output to higher value and stronger branding.

The sector should promote deeper links between production, processing and modern trade, develop national brands and expand access to global markets and agricultural value chains.

Finally, the Party leader stressed the importance of workforce development. The sector must build a professional and dedicated civil service while improving training for experts in agricultural economics, resource management, environmental science and climate studies. He particularly emphasised the role of local-level officials.

During the event, Lâm presented the First-Class Labour Order to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, recognising its outstanding contributions and reaffirming its role as a vital force in advancing Việt Nam’s green and sustainable future. — VNS