The AUD 1.45 million funding package aims to support the adoption of advanced technologies that can improve agricultural productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam.

The projects aim to support the adoption of advanced technologies that can improve agricultural productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam (Photo: Australian Embassy).

The Australian Government and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam have announced a major funding package for three advanced agricultural technology projects, through the Innovation Partnership Grants component of the Aus4Innovation Program.

The funding package, worth AUD 1.45 million, aims to support the adoption of advanced technologies to improve agricultural productivity and promote sustainable agricultural practices in Vietnam.

This latest round of partnership funding from the Aus4Innovation Program, managed by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, focuses on the urgent theme of “High-tech innovation to address agricultural challenges for sustainable development”.

Amid the many challenges of modern agriculture, this funding round seeks projects that apply high-tech solutions to improve agricultural productivity, develop markets for agricultural products, adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote social inclusion.

The three projects receiving funding demonstrate the importance of collaborative research between innovation ecosystems in Australia and Vietnam in delivering technological advances to drive sustainable agriculture.

The first project is to improve crop monitoring capacity and access to information for smallholder farmers and managers in Vietnam.

This is a collaboration between the University of Southern Queensland and the Vietnam National Space Centre, using geospatial technology to provide critical crop information to improve productivity. The funding budget is over AUD 487,000.

The second project is proactive carbon farming using artificial intelligence and digital twins to develop sustainable agriculture in Thanh Hoa province.

Griffith University and Hanoi University of Science and Technology will develop an AI-powered digital platform to enable more accurate quantification of greenhouse gas emissions and promote carbon farming. The project contributes to sustainable agricultural practices and provides new revenue opportunities through carbon credits. The funding budget is over AUD 480,000.

The third project is to strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers through AI-based traceability and standards certification systems towards sustainable agriculture in Vietnam.

The project, implemented by Griffith University in partnership with the National Standards and Quality Committee, aims to improve agricultural standards through AI and digital systems, ensuring effective farm monitoring and product traceability. The funding budget is more than AUD 480,000.

"These initiatives demonstrate the spirit of innovation and collaboration between Australia and Vietnam. Through the Aus4Innovation Innovation Partnership Grant, we are not only addressing emerging challenges but also investing in the long-term sustainability of Vietnam's agricultural sector. This reflects our broader commitment to supporting Vietnam through funding with a specific purpose: to realise initiatives that use technology to address emerging and long-term challenges," said Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Bui The Duy further emphasized: "The successful implementation of these projects will mark an important step forward in Vietnam's ambition to become a pioneer in the application of high-tech solutions in agriculture. This partnership underscores our commitment to embracing innovative technologies that bring great socio-economic benefits and lay the foundation for a more sustainable and prosperous future."

Aus4Innovation is a pioneering, 10-year (2018-2028) AUD 33.5 million program to strengthen Vietnam’s innovation system to support inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development.The program is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), co-funded and managed by CSIRO - Australia’s national science agency, and implemented through a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam.

Source: Dan Tri Newspaper