Minister Le Minh Hoan: Agriculture Needs to Reach for Higher Value

Vietnam's agricultural production has successfully focused on food security, but Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan emphasizes the need to explore the untapped potential of agricultural products. He highlights the potential for higher value in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and even energy. While Vietnam has exceeded export targets for fruits and vegetables, reaching over 7 billion USD, Minister Hoan stresses the importance of transitioning to multi-value agriculture. He uses honey as an example, noting its increased value when used in cosmetics compared to simply being sold as food. The Minister advocates for circular agriculture, urging a shift from solely focusing on raw product sales to utilizing byproducts like straw and coffee grounds for other purposes such as biomass energy, hydroponic substrates, or cosmetics. This approach not only maximizes value but also promotes environmental sustainability. He envisions a future where Vietnam's agriculture leverages its diverse resources and embraces innovation to compete in the global market.