Ethnic Minority Youth in Lam Dong Pursue High-Tech Agriculture
Many young people from ethnic minority communities in Lam Dong Province are boldly launching start-ups in agriculture, applying science and technology to enhance product value while contributing to local socio-economic development.
Many ethnic minority youths in Lam Dong Province are boldly launching high-tech agricultural start-ups, leveraging science and innovation to increase product value and boost local socio-economic development.
Returning Home to Grow High-Tech Strawberries
In the early morning, inside a lush green greenhouse, Cil K’Ja No carefully inspects each strawberry bed, checking young fruit while adjusting the drip irrigation system. Temperature and humidity levels are meticulously recorded to ensure stable plant growth.
Each ripe red strawberry is not only the result of dedicated labor but also proof of her determination to build a sustainable livelihood on her native soil.
After graduating in Agronomy from Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, the young engineer chose to return home rather than seek opportunities elsewhere. Growing up in a farming family, she was familiar with traditional cultivation. However, equipped with academic knowledge and technical expertise, she set out to transform her family’s farming practices.
Previously, strawberries were grown outdoors, leaving production vulnerable to weather fluctuations and pests, resulting in inconsistent yields and uneven quality.
Drawing on her training and practical research, Cil K’Ja No proposed investing in a 1,000-square-meter greenhouse. She implemented drip irrigation, controlled temperature and humidity, and optimized plant nutrition.
“The initial investment was high and the techniques were complex. But with what I learned and the potential of high-tech agriculture, I kept studying and fine-tuning each production stage,” she said.
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The greenhouse model has stabilized plant growth, produced uniform, visually appealing fruit, and reduced disease risks. With a steady monthly yield of approximately 200 kilograms, sold at VND 120,000 per kilo, the farm demonstrates strong commercial viability. Beyond generating income, the model offers a sustainable production pathway for the young farmer.
Building a Dairy Farming Enterprise
Instead of crop cultivation, Ka Thong chose dairy farming. Starting with just four calves, he worked various jobs while gradually reinvesting earnings to expand his herd.
His model stands out for its emphasis on scientific techniques. In addition to three sao (approximately 3,000 square meters) of grass cultivation, he purchases straw and corn and applies silage fermentation techniques to preserve feed, improve nutritional content, strengthen herd health and enhance milk quality.
After five years of persistence, his family now owns 20 cows, eight of which are producing milk. On average, the eight cows yield around 150 liters of milk per day, generating roughly VND 2.5 million in daily income.
To farm effectively, we must change our mindset. We cannot rely on old habits. Applying science and technology reduces costs, improves productivity and quality, and increases economic returns.
Ka Thong
Dang Phuoc Vi, Secretary of the Youth Union of Don Duong Commune, noted that Ka Thong’s dairy model is one of the most effective youth-led economic initiatives in the locality.
After five years of persistence, Ka Thong’s family now raises 20 cows, eight of which are lactating
In recent years, the commune’s Youth Union has actively encouraged its members, particularly ethnic minority youth, to boldly pursue start-ups and agricultural development linked with scientific and technological application, contributing to local socio-economic growth.
These youth-led models provide clear evidence that agriculture is evolving beyond backbreaking, labor-intensive work in harsh environments. Instead, it is emerging as a high-value sector ripe with entrepreneurial potential—particularly for a new generation armed with innovation, academic knowledge, and technical proficiency.
Agriculture as a Promising Start-Up Sector
On the fertile land of Lam Dong Province, endowed with favorable climate and soil conditions, young farmers are demonstrating that science-driven agriculture can deliver stable, high and sustainable income. More importantly, it represents a meaningful way for youth to build their hometowns while preserving and developing the province’s distinctive agricultural values in a new era.
At the First Congress of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union of Lam Dong Province for the 2025–2030 term, Mr. Dang Hong Sy, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, highly appreciated the role of youth—particularly ethnic minority youth—in socio-economic development. He urged the provincial Youth Union to diversify methods of uniting and engaging young people, with a strong focus on grassroots levels, especially ethnic minority youth, workers, young intellectuals, start-up entrepreneurs and religious youth.