APPROACHING AND APPLYING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE MIDLAND AND NORTHERN MOUNTAINOUS PROVINCES OF VIETNAM: CURRENT SITUATION AND SOLUTIONS

Abstract

This paper assesses the current situation and proposes solutions for the application of science and technology (S&T) in agricultural production in the midland and northern mountainous regions of Vietnam, based on a survey of 1,040 farming households. The results show that access to S&T is still limited due to geographical challenges, economic conditions, and farming knowledge. Some technologies have been applied, but unevenly. Proposed solutions include enhancing government support, promoting business–farmer linkages, training skills, transferring appropriate technologies, developing cooperatives, and expanding preferential credit. These measures aim to improve production efficiency and ensure livelihood stability. Among various crops, the proportion of cultivated areas using modern inputs and new production processes ranges from approximately 16% to 58%, with the highest adoption seen in fruit trees and the lowest in forestry crops. The average investment capital for crop production (including new seeds, machinery, etc.) is about VND 55.94 million, with the lowest for forestry crops and the highest for fruit trees.