The policies of "Khoan 100" and "Khoan 10" unleashed production capacities, helping Vietnam rise from the brink of famine to become an agricultural export powerhouse with an export turnover exceeding 70 billion USD in 2025.

On the morning of May 28, at the seminar “The Vietnamese Peasant Class – 40 Years of innovation: From Aspirations on the Rice Fields to the Era of Rising Up,” experts and agricultural leaders looked back on the profound transformation journey of Vietnamese agriculture, moving from a food-deficient production system before Đổi Mới to its standing as one of the world's leading agricultural exporters.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Tung, from the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, argued that "Khoan 100" and "Khoan 10" were turning-point policies that helped solve the equation of agriculture, farmers, and rural areas during the country's most challenging period.

“From a nation standing on the brink of food shortage, Vietnam has become one of the top rice-exporting countries globally. That is a massive historical miracle, resulting from the combination of economic reform and socio-political stability,” Mr. Tung emphasized.

Dr. Phung Duc Tien, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that in 2025, despite severe impacts from climate change and natural disasters, the agricultural sector still achieved a growth rate of approximately 3,78%. The total export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached about 70 billion USD, capturing a trade surplus of around 21.4 billion USD.

Food production was maintained at over 45 million tons. Rice exports alone reached approximately 7,9 million tons in 2025, with certain years surpassing 9 million tons. Strategic commodities such as seafood, coffee, and fruits and vegetables have established a presence in over 200 countries and territories. Vietnam currently ranks among the largest rice exporters in the world.

Alongside these achievements, experts also pointed out numerous challenges facing rural areas and farmers.

Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Tung argued that modern farmers face increasingly heavy livelihood pressures. He shared a reality where agricultural land in many localities has been left abandoned because income from agricultural production is no longer attractive.

“Farmers do not leave their homeland, but they have begun leaving agriculture,” he remarked.

According to Mr. Tung, this is a thought-provoking paradox: while agricultural exports continuously set new records, the income and living standards of many direct producers still encounter hardships.

To ensure agriculture continues to develop sustainably, Prof. Dr. Pham Hong Tung suggested focusing on four core sets of solutions:

First: Accelerate digital transformation and the substantive application of science and technology in agricultural production.

Second: Resolve rural environmental pollution and adapt to climate change, factors directly affecting people's livelihoods.

Third: Reform production mindsets toward large-scale models, enhancing linkages between farmers, enterprises, and modern supply chains.

Fourth: Strengthen socio-economic connectivity in rural areas following the consolidation of administrative units, ensuring regional linkages and market development for agricultural products.

Ms. Bui Thi Thom, Vice President of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union, stated that modern farmers have become more proactive in digital transformation, traceability, green production, and the circular economy. However, this process remains in its initial stages.

“To master it, one must first possess knowledge,” Ms. Thom emphasized.

According to her, a mindset of linkage, cooperation, and responsible production toward consumers will be a mandatory requirement in the new phase of development.

Dr. Phung Duc Tien also affirmed that agriculture continues to play its role as the pillar of the Vietnamese economy, especially during difficult periods. However, the equation of lifting incomes and improving the quality of life for farmers remains an issue that must be resolved in the coming time.

On the morning of May 28, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union held a press conference to provide information regarding the 9th National Congress of the Vietnam Farmers' Union for the 2026–2031 tenure. The Congress will take place from June 7 to 8, 2026, at the National Convention Center of Vietnam in Hanoi. Attending the Congress will be 600 official delegates representing more than 10 million union members and farmers nationwide. Among them, 66 ex-officio delegates are members of the 8th Executive Committee of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Farmers' Union, alongside 534 appointed delegates.

Source: VnBusiness