Project "Enhancing Urban Resilience in Agriculture through Vertical Farming Systems in Vietnam and the United Kingdom"

On January 17, 2022, Van Lang University, in collaboration with Khang Thinh company and the British Council in Vietnam, launched the project "Urban Resilience in Agriculture through Vertical Farming Automation Systems in Vietnam and the United Kingdom." The project aims to protect the environment, address sustainable development goals, positively impact the economy, and raise awareness of sustainable development among the general population and specifically the youth in Vietnam. 

In response to the "strong and urgent action" message from the government at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26) held in November 2021, on the afternoon of January 17, 2022, Van Lang University, in collaboration with Middlesex University (London) and Khang Thinh Irrigation Technology Joint Stock Company, organized the Launching Ceremony of the project "Urban Resilience in Agriculture through Vertical Farming Automation Systems in Vietnam and the United Kingdom" through an online format. The event connected the three entities with the representative from the British Council (British Council Vietnam), the main sponsor of the project.

Given the current climate change situation, global population growth, decreasing agricultural land, particularly in urban areas, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic causing supply chain disruptions and affecting the agricultural economy in cities, the vertical farming automation system is a highly practical project. It aims to help people access new farming models that are suitable for households, enhance self-sufficiency, increase income, and improve resilience. Furthermore, the project aligns with the United Nations' strategic development goals for sustainable agriculture, responsible production, and reducing inequality among nations. 

In addition to the collaborative efforts in terms of personnel and finance from the three implementing entities, this project has received support as the British Council raised the total funding for the project to £62,951. According to the plan, the project will be implemented over a period of 27 months, investing in modern IoT technology and involving the participation of Vietnamese students and pupils. Its aim is to protect the environment, have a positive impact on the economy, and raise awareness of sustainable development among the general population and specifically the youth in Vietnam.

The first harvest from the project

After nearly a year of implementation, in October 2022, Van Lang University put into operation a high-tech agricultural greenhouse area at its main campus and prepared for the first harvest. The current model has an area of 73m2 and is equipped with a nylon covering system, insect-proof netting, and maximum protection for crops against insects and weather conditions. 

Dr. Vu Thi Quyen, Head of the Department of Biotechnology, shared, "The greenhouse model is being organized into separate cultivation areas, applying hydroponics to grow various crops such as lettuce, Chinese kale, sweet cabbage, and cucumbers. It is also equipped with a fertilizer system and automatic irrigation. In the future, the greenhouse will continue to expand and improve, providing opportunities for students majoring in Biotechnology and High-Tech Agriculture to apply their classroom knowledge in practical settings. Project members and students from the department will continue to research, evaluate yield and quality, address existing limitations, experiment with new crop varieties, and explore eco-friendly materials as alternatives to the current plastic materials." 

It is worth noting that the project is currently being implemented at Middlesex University (London) with a similar model. In the future, experts from both universities will continue to exchange knowledge and have direct project evaluation meetings in Vietnam and the United Kingdom.

The conference “Developing Urban Agriculture Models for Climate Change Adaptation”

The conference “Developing Urban Agriculture Models for Climate Change Adaptation” is one of the exchange sessions where researchers from Middlesex University (United Kingdom) and Van Lang University come together to share their research findings. They are jointly involved in the project "Urban Resilience in Agriculture through Vertical Farming Automation Systems in Vietnam and the United Kingdom." By April 2023, the project had successfully completed 5 key objectives and was continuing to implement the remaining tasks according to the established plan.

Ms. Bui Pham Lan Phuong, MA, Vice President of Van Lang University, stated that the research team aims to introduce suitable vertical farming models to management units, educational institutions, and businesses. The goal is to promote and enhance public awareness of utilizing available space in communities and households, with the aim of fostering urban agriculture and greening urban areas in the future.

Professor Nguyen Xuan Huan, Director of the Digital Twin Research Center at Middlesex University (United Kingdom), shared images documenting the initial phase of the project. The professor stated, "As part of the Global Partnership Program funded by the British Council, this project stands out and differs from others in the program as it specifically focuses on applying technological techniques to agriculture. Given the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on agricultural supply, we aim to develop digital technology to improve the supply and production of agricultural products, meeting the demands of the consumer market, especially consumers living in urban areas in Vietnam." 

After researching and discovering that over 90% of the agricultural land in the city is in a state of degradation and nutritional imbalance, while the population living and working in Ho Chi Minh City exceeds 10 million people with a demand for vegetables and fruits reaching up to 4,000 tons, not to mention other food crops, Dr. Vu Thi Quyen, Head of the Biotechnology Department at Van Lang University, believes that this is a concerning issue that needs to be thoroughly understood and effectively addressed. Faced with the challenge of limited agricultural land and insufficient supply to meet the city's demands, Dr. Vu Thi Quyen and her research team have proposed solutions to grow clean vegetables directly on balconies, rooftops, and skylight areas. They have suggested simple methods that can be implemented at home, allowing people to confidently adopt the model of cultivating clean vegetables and fruits at home.

Mr. Pham Lam Chinh Van, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Agricultural Extension Center, stated that with a network of central and local units, research institutes, universities, and businesses, the center can fulfill its mission as a bridge, providing support to introduce and implement appropriate technologies that cater to the production conditions and accessibility of the target audience. The center aims to promote and enhance the capacity to improve agricultural efficiency in Ho Chi Minh City through widespread adoption and dissemination. Mr. Van also encourages units to focus on developing urban agriculture models based on a circular economy, reducing carbon waste, in order to meet the development requirements of Ho Chi Minh City.

During the seminar, Mr. Le Nhat Duy, currently working at the Ho Chi Minh City Biotechnology Center, brought new experiences to the participants regarding vertical farming models applied with modern technology. Meanwhile, Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, representing Gia Phat Agricultural Services and Trading Limited Company, presented on the topic "Developing urban agricultural economy with hydroponic production model: Opportunities and challenges." He shared effective and simple methods that can be implemented at home, while also highlighting the advantages and difficulties of operating greenhouse systems. Based on that, Mr. Thanh provided recommendations and valuable advice for students who have plans or aspirations to start a business with this agricultural model. 

After listening to the progress updates and discussing the detailed outcomes of the projects, the visiting delegation proceeded to visit the high-tech agricultural greenhouse area at the main campus of Van Lang University. This project was implemented and officially put into operation in October 2022 by the university, the British Council in Vietnam, Middlesex University, and Tien Phong Steel Construction and Trading Joint Stock Company. The project is expected to continue until March 2024.

News: Gia Han
Photos: VLU Communication Team