Hanoi's agricultural sector works with local authorities to help farmers expand environmentally friendly farming models that produce clean and safe products for consumers. 

Modern agricultural trends

A high-tech model of black grape cultivation in Dan Phuong District. Photo: Bao Linh/The Hanoi Times

Dan Phuong District, which is currently undergoing urbanization, is shifting its agricultural models to high-tech and eco-friendly practices combined with tourism to achieve higher economic efficiency. 

Nguyen Van Noi, a farmer from Phuong Dinh Commune in Dan Phuong District, said that as agricultural land shrinks, he has realized that growing black grapes requires less land than rice and yields higher income. Since 2019, his family has planted 100 vines, expanding to one hectare with two harvests per year. With an average price of around VND130,000 (US$5.2) per kilogram, he makes a profit of roughly VND500 million (US$19,874) per vine. 

Noi emphasized that the black grapes have been recognized by the city as part of the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, making it easier to promote and sell. 

In Thanh Tri District, several hi-tech agricultural models have been implemented.  

Nguyen Manh Hong, Director of the Duc Phat Hi-tech Agricultural Cooperative, shared that since 2017, the cooperative has partnered with local growers to establish a high-tech vegetable farming model using Israeli technology. 

He added that the cooperative supplies its vegetable products to canteens in the district, generating an annual revenue of between VND800 million and VND1 billion ($31,798-$39,748) - 10 times more than traditional rice farming. In addition to vegetables, the cooperative also grows melons and offers ecotourism experiences to add value to its products. 

Dong Anh District has prioritized the development of ecological farming models for several years. According to Hoang Hai Dang, Deputy Chairman of the Dong Anh District People's Committee, these models are well suited for urban development and allow residents to effectively utilize land resources. 

He added that the district boasts 40 production models that operate within an interconnected value chain. Some of these models generate tens of thousands of dollars in annual revenue.  

The district has commissioned local communities to assess the area of floodplains along rivers, which would allow for effective management and the development of appropriate ecological farming models, Dang said. 

The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that the city has established several large-scale, high-tech agricultural production zones that ensure food safety, particularly in Dan Phuong, Thanh Tri, and Dong Anh districts. 

Currently, there are over 5,000 hectares dedicated to safe vegetable production, with 40 vegetable models implementing the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) covering more than 1,700 hectares. 

In addition, Hanoi operates more than 1,300 hectares of VietGAP-certified vegetables, fruits, and tea, 181 hectares of VietGAP aquaculture, 88 facilities for VietGAP livestock, and nearly 40 hectares of organic farming. 

The city is also home to 11 organic farms that serve as models for educational and experiential tourism.  

It also has five specialized cooperatives that combine education with tourism experience, including Thanh Xuan Organic Vegetable Cooperative in Soc Son District, Duong Lam Vegetable Cooperative and Dong Mo Tourism Service Cooperative in Son Tay Town, Dong Tien Experience Cooperative in Ung Hoa District, and Hong Van Cooperative in Thuong Tin District. 

Most organic farming models increase productivity and product quality, helping to reduce pollution while providing significant economic benefits to local residents, the department said.  

Challenges persist in developing ecological agriculture models

Planting melon trees at Duc Phat Hi-tech Agricultural Cooperative. Photo: Hanoimoi Newspaper

Despite efforts, the development of organic farming models faces significant challenges. Many farmers focus primarily on increasing production, often neglecting food safety and product quality. Traditional farming practices still rely heavily on pesticides and chemical fertilizers, raising environmental concerns, according to the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. 

Nguyen Thac Hung, Deputy Chairman of Dan Phuong District, said the district will continue to develop high-tech agricultural models related to green farming and eco-tourism until 2025 to overcome these difficulties and promote sustainable ecological farming. 

He added that this includes improving the crop structure to adapt to urban agriculture, promoting organic and VietGAP production, and assigning regional codes for vegetable growing areas in Lien Hong, Hong Ha, and Tho An communes.  

In addition, there are plans to develop floodplains along the Red and Day Rivers to support the growth of organic agriculture, the Deputy Chairman emphasized. 

Nguyen Manh Phuong, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, noted that rapid urbanization is shrinking agricultural land, while demand for clean agricultural products is increasing.  

He added that to expand organic farming, the department is working with localities to conduct regular training on safe production practices to change the mindset of managers, farmers, cooperatives, and businesses. 

Localities are encouraged to plan large, concentrated production areas to attract funding for high-tech agriculture combined with eco-tourism, which will make agricultural products more competitive, Phuong said. 

Phuong recommended the development of organic farming models that reflect local conditions. This includes supporting infrastructure investment, providing high-tech equipment, establishing branding systems, and creating a value chain from production to consumption. 

In addition to training programs for farmers, the city government will provide seed supplies, supply chain links, and low-interest loans from the Hanoi Agricultural Promotion Fund. 

"Efforts will also focus on promoting the consumption of organic agricultural products and increasing their market value. In addition, digital transformation is essential to increase transparency within the value chain of organic agricultural products in the market," he underlined.