Implemented from the pilot model in Tan Thuan Tay commune (Cao Lanh city), the "Smart Village" model in Dong Thap is bringing clear changes to the lives and production of rural people.
With support from the Ministry of Science and Technology, the University of Technology (Ho Chi Minh City National University) has coordinated to build a model "Smart Village Developed from Farmers' Association" - a national scientific topic, aiming at sustainable rural development based on a digital platform.
The goal of the model is to connect the community, apply science - technology and innovation, helping people improve their quality of life from the strengths of the locality.
The products in the theme include environmental monitoring systems, solar water systems, security surveillance cameras, smart public lighting, electronic information portals for clubs, and mobile applications for product management, production and traceability.
From the foundation of Tan Thuan Tay commune, Dong Thap has now had 6 localities recognized as "Smart villages", including Doc Binh Kieu commune (Thap Muoi district), Dinh Yen (Lap Vo district), Binh Thanh and My Xuong (Cao Lanh district), Tan Nhuan Dong and An Nhon (Chau Thanh district).
Thanks to this model, many farmers have gradually approached and mastered digital technology.
Mr. Ta Thanh Tu, a farmer in Binh Thanh commune, said: "Previously, we mainly followed experience, now we can monitor the weather, pests and diseases, manage farming schedules via the application, and also sell on e-commerce platforms. Things are much more convenient and efficient.
In My Xuong commune, the "E-commerce commune" model is deployed in parallel to help people build production data, ensure traceability of agricultural products and expand consumption markets.
Mr. Tran Phu Hau, a local farmer, shared: Applying technology helps me save costs, easily track product quality and increase output value. Now my mangoes are not only sold in the province but also on electronic exchanges, reaching customers in many places".
Utilities such as a surveillance camera system and smart public lighting also help stabilize the security and order situation in rural areas. Cashless payments and online transactions have also become more popular, contributing to the formation of "digital citizens" in rural communities.
Although there are many initial difficulties due to the new model, local authorities have actively supported people to get acquainted with the technology. The People's Committee of Binh Thanh commune said that the government has organized many sessions to guide, propagate, and mobilize people to install applications, use production management software, as well as support the 4-star OCOP product review process.
According to the Department of Science and Technology of Dong Thap province, up to now, the whole province has 6 "Smart Village" models recognized. In the coming time, the Department will continue to advise the province to invest in developing digital technology infrastructure, improving digital skills for people, and cooperate with institutes, schools and businesses to research and transfer appropriate technology solutions.
With this approach, Dong Thap is gradually realizing the goal of sustainable and modern rural development, creating a foundation for comprehensive digital transformation in the agricultural sector. "Smart village" is not only a model of technology application, but also a step in thinking, helping farmers become subjects in the digital age: Confident, dynamic and more connected to the common development of the locality.
