High-tech farming linked to tourism opens new path for agriculture in Bac Ninh

Updated: 15:03, 12/01/2026

BAC NINH - Integrating high-tech, eco-friendly agricultural production with experiential activities and tourism is emerging as a profitable new model for farming cooperatives in the northern province of Bac Ninh, offering fresh growth prospects as traditional agriculture faces mounting pressures.

The model combines organic-oriented, technology-driven cultivation with hands-on experiences for visitors, ranging from farm tours and educational activities to cultural and culinary services. Provincial authorities say the approach not only increases farm incomes but also helps promote local culture and agricultural brands.

The hi-tech green house complex for vegetable cultivation of Tam An Technology Development Cooperative.

One of the standout examples is Tam An Technology Development Cooperative in Lien Bao commune. Established in May 2023 by six members after transitioning from a wild boar farming operation, the cooperative has built a 2,000-square-metre high-tech greenhouse complex specialising in aeroponic cultivation of vegetables and fruits.

According to Deputy Director Pham Duc Hieu, the cooperative applies vertical aeroponic systems in which plant roots are misted with nutrient-rich solutions, allowing crops to grow under optimal conditions.

All nutrients used are organic and mixed according to precise ratios, ensuring products meet food safety standards and are considered beneficial to consumers’ health.

The production site includes around 70 vertical towers, 40 aeroponic trays and dozens of organic vegetable plots equipped with drip irrigation and controlled fertiliser application. The system supports a wide range of crops such as leafy greens, kohlrabi, carrots, tomatoes and beans.

Beyond production, Tam An has invested in developing a Bac Ninh ecological and cultural complex to link agriculture with experiential tourism.

Activities include cooperation with kindergartens and primary schools to offer students hands-on exposure to folk culture and traditional games, such as pottery making, painting, toy figurine moulding and rural games, alongside farm visits, sports activities and culinary experiences.

The cooperative now attracts between 2,000 and 3,000 students and about 3,000 to 4,000 workers and tourists each year from within and outside the province.

The combined agricultural and service activities generate annual revenues of 4 to 5 billion VND (218,773 USD), with monthly profits reaching several hundred million VND, Hieu said.

Another notable model is Yen Dung Clean Vegetable Cooperative in Canh Thuy ward. Founded in September 2016, it initially farmed about 13 hectares. After nearly a decade, it has expanded to more than 65 hectares, including 17 hectares under high-tech net houses with automated fertilisation systems.

The cooperative focuses on high-value crops such as melons, cucumbers, tomatoes and premium netted melons, delivering strong economic returns.

Since October 2022, it has also developed an agricultural education and experience programme, attracting numerous visitor groups, particularly kindergarten and primary school students.

For an entry fee of 50,000 VND per person, visitors can enjoy a clean, open environment, tour modern vegetable farms and participate in basic farming activities, from soil preparation and sowing to crop care, harvesting and product consumption.

Provincial authorities say such models are becoming increasingly common. Bac Ninh currently has about 1,360 cooperatives, five agricultural cooperative unions, 554 farms and 415 cooperative groups operating in the agricultural sector.

In recent years, many cooperatives have actively combined farming with community-based tourism, experiential travel and on-site visits, helping agricultural products gain wider recognition and improving market access.

Examples include cooperatives involved in high-tech agriculture, fruit production, organic farming and integrated trade and tourism services. However, officials acknowledge that challenges remain.

The province currently has 1,360 cooperatives, five agricultural cooperative unions, 554 farms and 415 cooperative groups operating in the agricultural sector.

Nguyen Hong Quang, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, said agricultural experiential tourism has significant potential but remains fragmented. Many models operate on a small scale, lack linkages to form coherent tours or routes, and face constraints in funding and organisational experience.

To further promote farm- and agriculture-based tourism, cooperatives need to rethink production strategies, invest in improving crop and livestock quality and create attractive landscapes to draw visitors, Quang said.

In practice, many cooperatives have aligned with local production plans, selecting crop varieties suited to soil conditions and offering high economic value, such as Korean melons, seedless grapes, green-skinned pomelos, chrysanthemum flowers, pineapples and tea.

A growing number are also focusing on environmental protection, applying advanced technologies and developing OCOP-certified products linked to rural development programmes, helping to position Bac Ninh as an emerging destination for sustainable agricultural tourism.

Nguyen Tuan