Hanoi is expected to boost urban agriculture and develop agricultural models linked to tourism to maximize value for residents and businesses, stressed Nguyen Manh Quyen, deputy chairman of the city's People's Committee, at the 2024 Agriculture and Rural Development Review Conference on January 17.

Nguyen Manh Quyen, Vice Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, speaks at the event. Photos: Tung Nguyen/The Hanoi Times

He said that in 2025, the sector should focus on high-quality investments, move towards organic farming and develop multi-value farming models.

He also noted the importance of continuing to restructure crops and livestock into high-quality rice, specialty livestock, and cooperative farming models to suit the specific characteristics and preferences of Hanoi residents.  

He called for the development of industrial zones to optimize the operation of traditional craft villages, along with supportive policies to facilitate production and business.

At the event, Quyen congratulated the agriculture and rural development sector on its achievements in 2024.

As of the end of 2024, all 382 communes across the city have achieved new rural development standards, including 191 communes meeting enhanced standards and 84 communes recognized as model rural areas. 

In the final months of 2024, the city’s evaluation delegation expected to certify an additional 49 communes as advanced new rural areas and 37 as model rural areas.

Hanoi has met seven out of eight criteria for new rural development for the period 2021-2025, and aims to ensure that at least 20% of its districts achieve advanced rural standards. Progress in rural development continues to yield impressive results.

The Tam Van grapefruit cultivation model brings high economic efficiency to Phuc Tho District.

In 2024, the growth rate of agriculture, forestry, and fishery sectors in Hanoi increased by 2.52% compared to the same period in 2023. The total value for the sectors reached nearly VND42.7 trillion (US$1.7 billion), marking a 2.5% increase from 2023.

The city's agricultural exports reached a record high in 2024, exceeding $2 billion. Food and agricultural products accounted for nearly $1.5 billion of that total, reflecting a 33.8%  increase over the same period in 2023.

Nguyen Xuan Dai, Director of Hanoi's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, announced that the sector is targeting a growth rate of at least 2.5% in 2025. By the end of this year, the city plans to have 35 more communes recognized as advanced rural areas and 29 as model rural areas.

By 2025, the focus will shift to developing clean and organic agriculture, promoting a circular economy linked to the agro-processing industry, and adapting to climate change, he added. The plan also includes establishing sustainable links with global agricultural value chains, encouraging green and intelligent organic farming, and integrating urban development, rural services and experiential tourism.