The Vegetable Farm in Highland (VFH) project is part of the Global Smart Farm (GSF) project being conducted by KEC in Ton Duc Thang University. The GSF project aims to develop a convergence model in various industries, including energy, cultural tourism, food value chains, water treatment, and agriculture, through digital transformation. It focuses on:

• Digital transformation: Applying digital technologies to innovate and improve productivity and efficiency in sectors such as energy, cultural tourism, food value chains, water treatment, and agriculture, promoting sustainable development in these areas.

• Multilateral cooperation: Establishing a platform to enhance cooperation with ASEAN countries, South Korea, Japan, and other partners. Through this platform, multilateral collaborative projects will be carried out, including technology and knowledge sharing, funding support, and exchange of human resources, contributing to the development of local communities and economies.

Objective

• Develop a Korean-style vegetable farming model in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam, utilizing IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, and other information technologies to enhance productivity, economic viability, and quality.

Key activities

• Survey and analyze the climate and soil characteristics of the Highlands region.

• Establish and operate a pilot farm applying Korean-style vegetable cultivation methods in the region.

• Build a production management system utilizing IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, and other information technologies.

• Evaluate and improve the quality of vegetable production.

Expected outcomes

• Successful operation of a pilot farm demonstrating the Korean-style vegetable cultivation model in the Highlands region.

• Establishment of an improved vegetable production environment with enhanced productivity, economic viability, and quality.

• Expansion of the domestic market for Korean-style vegetable products in Vietnam and creation of export opportunities to international markets.

Through the VFH pilot project, as part of the GSF project, a cooperative model between Vietnam and Korea will be established, leading the digital transformation and innovation in the agricultural sector in the Central Highlands region. It will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth. 

To cultivate cabbage in Dak Nong province, Vietnam, the following considerations should be taken into account based on the characteristics of highland vegetable cultivation in South Korea:

• Soil conditions: Assess the soil characteristics in Dak Nong province to determine suitable soil composition for cabbage cultivation. Consider soil fertility, pH levels, and drainage capacity to ensure appropriate soil improvement measures.

• Water supply: Considering the rainfall patterns and water availability in Dak Nong province, establish an irrigation system to provide sufficient water for cabbage crops. Efficient management of the irrigation system is crucial to meet the water requirements of cabbage plants.

• Climate conditions: Account for the climate conditions in Dak Nong province to select suitable cabbage varieties and plan cultivation accordingly. Consider factors such as temperature, humidity, and precipitation to adjust the growth and harvesting seasons of cabbage.

• Market demand: Conduct market research on the local and international demand for cabbage in Vietnam, considering competition in the market. Develop production plans based on the fluctuation of market demand and trends. This will help strategize appropriate production and distribution methods.

• Technological advancements: Introduce technologies such as data collection and utilization, automation, and optimization of pesticide and fertilizer usage to enhance productivity and quality. Consult local agricultural expertise and adopt relevant technologies to improve farming practices in Dak Nong province. 

The key study areas to enhance productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness in the VFH project are as follows: 

• Climate and soil conditions: Researching and analyzing the climate and soil characteristics of the highland region to identify suitable crop varieties and cultivation methods. This allows for the development of appropriate cultivation plans to enhance productivity.

• Seed selection and improvement: Conducting research on selecting and improving suitable seeds. Developing seeds that are well-suited to the growing environment improves productivity and quality while ensuring resistance to pests and diseases.

• Cultivation technique development: Conducting research on applying Korean-style vegetable cultivation techniques to the highland region. This includes water management, fertilizer usage, pest control, and other aspects to enhance productivity and improve crop quality.

• Utilization of IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence: Leveraging information technology to automate and optimize crop cultivation and management. Using IoT devices to monitor crop growth, and utilizing big data analysis and artificial intelligence techniques to predict and improve productivity and quality.

• Cost-effectiveness analysis: Analyzing the economic aspects of vegetable cultivation, considering production costs, selling prices, and revenue. Deriving the most cost-effective cultivation methods and business strategies.

Through these key research areas, the VFH project aims to enhance productivity, quality, and cost-effectiveness in vegetable cultivation. It contributes to the collaboration and continuous development in the agricultural sector between Vietnam and Korea.