By accelerating science and technology (S&T) adoption alongside digital transformation (DX), cooperatives (co-ops) province-wide are gradually reshaping production methods, management practices combined with market access, improving operational efficiency, competitiveness and product value.

DNT Global High-Tech Agricultural Cooperative growing passion fruit in greenhouses equipped with drip irrigation systems.

Having begun operations only in May 2026, DNT Global High-Tech Agricultural Co-op in Van Hoa Commune has made high-tech application a core strategy for improving passion fruit productivity and quality while meeting export-market requirements, particularly in Europe.

Mr. Le Da Nam, Director of the co-op, said European markets impose stringent requirements on pesticide residues along with fruit quality. Accordingly, the co-op uses only permitted plant-protection products, prioritising biological inputs throughout cultivation. Technology has enabled the co-o to take greater control of water and nutrient management, while reducing labour requirements and optimising fertiliser use. As an outcome, plants grow more uniformly, fruit quality can be monitored more effectively, alongside produce is better able to meet export-market requirements. 

As of June 2026, the province had 1,000 active co-ops, including 104 applying high technology in production and processing, primarily within agriculture. This indicates that technology adoption remains limited as well as uneven across different fields. The situation highlights the need for additional support mechanisms, enabling co-ops to access technological solutions, gradually master their application and strengthen competitiveness.

Recently, Prime Minister approved the Master Programme for Developing the Collective Economy for 2026-2030, aiming to build a dynamic, efficient collective-economy sector that creates jobs, raises incomes, ensures social welfare while accelerating DX. The programme also opens opportunities for co-ops together with co-op groups to access capital and technology infrastructure.

Emphasising the need for a mindset shift in collective-economy development in the novel era, Ms. Cao Xuan Thu Van, Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Co-op Alliance, said innovation must go beyond a slogan. It must respond to practical needs, serving as a driving force for co-ops to strengthen competitiveness, proactively integrate into global markets and pursue sustainable growth.

In line with this direction, Dak Lak has incorporated these priorities into its 2027 plan for developing the collective economy alongside co-ops province-wide. The plan prioritises models built around value chains, S&T, DX, green economy and circular economy, while strengthening links between agricultural production, processing, trade, services and tourism.

The province aims to have 175 agricultural co-ops applying high technology by the end of 2027. This will support investment in machinery combined with equipment, application of technical advances across production, preliminary processing, processing and management, alongside adoption of digital platforms, e-commerce, electronic payments plus traceability systems for agricultural production coupled with distribution.

With technology, market-oriented thinking and stronger linkages advancing in tandem, the collective-economy sector will have a stronger foundation for improving competitiveness, reinforcing its role within the economy while pursuing sustainable development.

Translated by HAI LOAN