HCM CITY — Việt Nam is entering a critical phase of transformation in agriculture and animal husbandry, experts affirmed at a seminar entitled “Innovation and Sustainability” in HCM City on Thursday.

Organised by Japfa Comfeed Vietnam Company Ltd in celebration of the company's 30th anniversary, the seminar focused on sharing the latest trends in the livestock industry, cutting-edge technologies and lessons learned in the sector.

Speaking at the seminar, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Nguyễn Quốc Trị emphasised that the livestock industry is a key pillar of the agricultural sector, contributing to economic development and providing employment opportunities for many farmers. 

The industry has experienced stable growth in recent years due to domestic demand, export potential, and a shift towards stability.

The deputy minister highlighted the crucial role of innovation, technology, digitalisation, and sustainability in driving the industry forward and addressing challenges. 

Experts at the seminar reaffirmed the significant growth potential of Việt Nam's livestock industry, projecting a stable growth rate of up to 6.5 per cent annually.

By 2030, the national livestock development strategy aims to achieve three key objectives, including large-scale industrial farming, mandatory traceability, and a roadmap for phasing out antibiotics. 

Clemens Tan, general director of Japfa Vietnam, said: “The national livestock development strategy toward 2030 envisions large-scale farming models contributing most of the production output. The roadmap to eliminate antibiotic growth promoters is approaching.

"Export markets are also demanding greater traceability and transparency across the value chain.”

Sanjeev Kumar, deputy general director of Japfa Vietnam, echoed the sentiment that Việt Nam's livestock sector is entering a new era characterised by large-scale centralised farming, mandatory traceability, and the discontinuation of antibiotic use. Leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the future of livestock farming is undergoing significant changes.

Kumar provided an example of how AI cameras at Japfa are helping detect early signs of pig stress before clinical symptoms manifest, while also assisting in monitoring personnel movements.

At the seminar, Deputy Minister Trí underscored the importance of collaboration with foreign investors with a long-term perspective to ensure sustainable development in Việt Nam's livestock industry.

Foreign investments in technology, biosafety and supply chains have brought substantial benefits to Vietnamese farmers and consumers, enhancing productivity and meeting growing demand.

For instance, Japfa Vietnam's modern production model, known as “Feed - Farm – Food”, has significantly improved production efficiency and product quality.

Japfa Vietnam has expanded the use of digital technologies across its operations, including AI-powered camera systems at poultry hatcheries and in-ovo vaccination technology to strengthen disease prevention.

At swine farms, the company is introducing digital monitoring systems that provide real-time data and automated alerts to support farm management.

Renaldo Santosa, executive chairman & CEO of Japfa Group affrimed that: “We continue investing in innovation, technology and sustainable farming systems to support the long-term development of Việt Nam’s livestock industry.”  — BIZHUB