Ha Noi is calling for investments in nine hi-tech agricultural zones with the goal of enhancing product quality, creating value chains for spearhead products and promoting exports, according to the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The hi-tech agricultural zones are slated to be developed in Hoai Duc, Ha Dong, Me Linh, Dan Phuong, Phuc Tho, Soc Son and Ba Vi districts and Son Tay Town.

The department said it was willing to provide support to those investing in the development of hi-tech agriculture in these zones.

Developing hi-tech farming was critical to bringing product quality in line with international standards and boosting exports, said Ta Van Tuong, Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

The city also targeted promoting regional links in agricultural production to create spearhead products for exports, Tuong said, adding that advanced technologies must be applied in every stage from production to processing and distribution.

The departments statistics showed that Ha Noi has established 121 value chains for safe farm produce and developed protected brands for 40 products.

The capital city has co-operated with 21 provinces and cities in farming production and distribution.

Tuong said the department targeted linking firms in Ha Noi with other provinces and cities, especially those with significant potential for agricultural production.

With a population of around 10 million, Ha Noi has huge demand for food.

The department estimated that on average each month, Ha Noi needed 83,400 tonnes of rice, 20,000 tonnes of pork, 5,230 tonnes of beef, 5,200 tonnes of chicken, 5,050 tonnes of seafood, 84,100 tonnes of vegetables, 95 million eggs and 52,000 tonnes of fruits.

However, Ha Nois agricultural production meets just 15-60 per cent of its demand for each product, and a large volume of agricultural products must be bought from neighbouring provinces.—  VNS