Orchid propagation research at the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences. —  VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The development of science, technology and innovation is key to laying the foundations for sustainable agriculture and adapting to climate change, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phùng Đức Tiến said on Monday.

Tiến was speaking at a forum on enhancing the application of science, technology and innovation to promote sustainable agricultural development, reducing emissions, and responding to climate change.

The event, jointly organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR), provides an opportunity for partners to exchange information and promote environmental sustainability and a low-emission agriculture sector, as well as how to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change.

Việt Nam's agriculture sector is still facing many challenges from unpredictable global fluctuations due to epidemics, conflicts and natural disasters, according to the deputy minister .

To be able to turn challenges into opportunities, the agriculture sector has set out solutions for this field to remain the backbone of the economy, with scientific and technological development at the forefront.

Science-technology not only contributes to increasing productivity, quality and value of agricultural products, but also improves the lives of farmers and significantly change the face of Việt Nam's rural areas.

Science-technology contributes over 30 per cent of the added value of the sector and 38 per cent to the production of plant varieties and livestock. It helps improve the competitiveness of agricultural products in both domestic and international markets, contributing to making Việt Nam one of the world’s leading exporters of rice, coffee, pepper and cashew nuts.

Stephan Weise, Asia Managing Director at the Alliance of Biodiversity International and International Centre for Tropical Agriculture, said that scientific and technological applications and innovation programmes that the research team coordinated with partners in Việt Nam would make important contributions to transforming the agricultural system in the country towards a greener and more sustainable direction.

Participants at the forum were briefed on CGIAR's innovative research in the fields of rice and vegetable cultivation and aquaculture in order to develop sustainable agriculture, reduce greenhouse emissions and adapt to climate change.

CGIAR leaders showed their commitment to supporting the Southeast Asian country in addressing strategic challenges in the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable development goals in the context of climate change. They pledged to work together to multiply research and innovation results to promote agriculture and reduce emissions and adapt to climate change. — VNS