The Australian Consulate General in the southern metropolis of HCM City worked with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on Monday to explore co-operation in hi-tech agriculture in the coming time. — Photo dwrm.gov.vn

The Australian Consulate General in the southern metropolis of HCM City worked with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Mekong Delta city of Can Tho on Monday to explore co-operation in hi-tech agriculture in the coming time.

Cao Thi Thanh from the Consulate General said Australia had developed hi-tech agriculture, while Viet Nam and the Mekong Delta particularly boasted large potential in this sphere.

She cited Australian statistics that only 1 per cent of land in the country is suitable for agricultural production with the involvement of 4 per cent of the population. However, Australia has the highest proportion of self-supplier of farm produce in the world. Averagely, an Australian farmer could produce farm produce for 190 people. Apart from domestic provision, 80 per cent of the farm produce is exported. The income of an Australian farmer amounts to US$100,000 per year.

She noted that Australia wanted to seek co-operation opportunities with the Mekong Delta in technology and human resources training.

Vice rector of Can Tho University Le Viet Dung said the delta had recorded significant strides in the field of high technology with many products receiving good feedback.

Such partners as Japan and China are stepping up investment in agricultural machines. Thereby, Australia should conduct fact-finding trips to produce highly competitive machines.

Professor Le Van Hoa said the weakness of the Vietnamese agriculture lay at post-harvest losses, especially for rice, animal husbandry, vegetables and fruits.

This was attributed to the country’s limitations in processing, preservation and transport, he said, adding that Australia is strong in technology, harvest chain, processing and transport of farm produce.

He hoped Australia would introduce the latest machines to increase the region’s post-harvest efficiency, quality of products, and farmers’ income.

This would be a key factor to help Vietnamese farm produce meet Global Good Agricultural Practices (GlobalGAP), he added.

Dung also suggested exchanging experts and opening training courses and workshops as well as expanding effective production and processing models. — VNS