HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Thursday asked the State Bank of Việt Nam (SBV) to increase the preferential credit package for hi-tech agricultural firms from VNĐ60 trillion (US$2.6 billion) to VNĐ100 trillion ($4.34 billion). 

Speaking at the launching ceremony of VinEco farm, an investment by the VinGroup in the northern province of Hà Nam, he said agriculture is a key pillar of the national economy and the central bank should direct commercial banks to establish more forms of support to raise the value of the package.

He said the country’s agriculture sector was still facing big challenges, including the adverse effects of climate change, underdeveloped cultivation methods, and unsafe and unhygienic agro-produce.

The agriculture sector needs the involvement of private enterprises and co-operatives to solve the problems that it is facing. Start-ups in agriculture should be further encouraged, the PM said.

He wanted more attention paid to developing human resources geared towards hi-tech agriculture, and to expanding markets, popularising trademarks and improving packaging, thus ensuring stable consumption. 
The PM also emphasised the need to develop organic and safe agriculture as well as smart farming that is export-driven and meets the demand of markets and the people.

The Government will create favourable conditions for enterprises and co-operatives to engage in hi-tech farming, Phúc said.

“I myself will, together with related sectors, directly introduce high-tech, high-quality and clean farm produce to the world.”

At the ceremony, Phúc pressed the button to launch production at the VinEco farm. 

One of 14 VinEco farms invested in by VinGroup, the VNĐ300 billion ($13 million) project sprawls over 180ha, including a large-scale model field of about 130ha, and a 5ha greenhouse area using Israeli technology and manufacturing facilities. 
The Greenhouse No 1, using Israeli drip technology, covers an area of 8,300sq.m and is capable of producing around 150 tonnes of leafy vegetables per year. 
On the 130ha model field, VinEco Hà Nam will develop nearly 15 kinds of key produce with a daily capacity of 20-30 tonnes for domestic and foreign consumption. 
Earlier in the morning, the PM visited Japan’s Sumi Việt Nam Wiring System Company in Đồng Văn II Industrial Park in Duy Tiên District and the Hà Nam High-tech Agriculture Investment and Development Company in Nhân Khang Commune, Lý Nhân District. — VNS