Promoting the application of science and technology and digital transformation in agriculture contributes to improving the quality of the province's key agricultural products.

Applied research has focused on rural agriculture, developing high-tech agriculture, clean agriculture, and organic agriculture; improving the quality of the province's key agricultural products along the value chain, linked to building, developing, and protecting brands to meet export demands. Based on research orientation, from 2020 to 2022, Son La province implemented 26 science and technology projects in the field of agriculture, accounting for more than 70% of the projects implemented in the province.

Step-by-step implementation of digital transformation in the production of key agricultural products (vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee, etc.) and aquatic products of the province. Digitizing data related to agriculture, forestry, fisheries, irrigation, new rural development, and agricultural cooperatives. Building and replicating safe agricultural production models, applying sensors and smart devices that are connected and automatically controlled throughout the agricultural production process; using LED technology in high-tech farming; farming in greenhouses and net houses using hydroponics and aeroponics; photovoltaic cells; using robots to care for crops and livestock; using unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites; applying financial technology to all agricultural activities in the province.

Alongside activities supporting the traditional consumption of agricultural and rural products, Son La province has implemented trade promotion activities in the online environment, such as: Maintaining and updating the information page introducing products, businesses, and cooperatives in Son La province (https://agritradepage.vn) with 42 businesses, cooperatives, and 52 typical agricultural products in three languages ​​(Vietnamese, English, and Chinese). Continuing to support businesses and cooperatives in promoting and introducing their products on three international e-commerce platforms (Alibaba.com, EC21.com, Agrimp.com); supporting businesses and cooperatives producing coffee products in promoting, introducing, and finding partners in the UK and German markets; supporting businesses and cooperatives producing mango products in promoting, introducing, and finding partners in the Australian and Chinese markets through Google Adwords advertising.

Activities to promote the province's agricultural products online have been implemented.

The development of agricultural product brands, the application of good agricultural practices (VietGAP) and equivalent standards, ensures traceability and food safety. The province's agricultural products are prioritized for brand development; to date, 26 products have been granted trademark protection bearing the province's geographical name. Throughout the province, 145 establishments apply valid VietGAP and GlobalGAP good agricultural practices. The focus is on improving product quality and ensuring food safety in the production, preservation, and processing of agricultural products. The units coordinated the assessment of food safety conditions for 25 food production and trading establishments in the agricultural, forestry, and aquatic sectors in the area, and organized surprise inspections to check compliance with food safety requirements for establishments not subject to food safety certification in Son La province in 2023 at Son La Sugar Company and Vinatea Moc Chau Company.

Human resource development, training, and the development of service industries in rural areas have always been a priority, especially for commune-level officials and civil servants in the agricultural sector. From the beginning of the year until now, the province has organized 62 out of 75 training courses with 164,034 participants, accounting for 82.7%. Efforts have been intensified to promote and encourage people to actively participate in vocational training courses, technical guidance workshops, and livelihood transformation programs. Awareness campaigns have been conducted to educate people about the significance, importance, and benefits of agricultural vocational training for rural workers. By August 2023, 1,693 participants had received basic-level agricultural vocational training, including short-term courses (under 3 months). In addition, efforts have been made to improve the quality of human resources for the province's agricultural sector officials. Capacity building has also been implemented for managers of enterprises, cooperatives, and farm owners. Provide vocational training for rural workers and strengthen training programs for the people. Organize study tours to learn from high-tech agricultural production models that yield high economic efficiency.

Le Hong