Lâm Đồng, a key agricultural hub in Vietnam, has seen rapid growth in greenhouse farming, reaching 5,688.48 hectares by Q1 2024—an increase of 271.6 hectares since 2022. While greenhouses boost production, they also contribute to biodiversity loss, soil microbiome disruption, and urban landscape degradation.
Case Study: High-Efficiency Net House Farming
A promising alternative is the adoption of net houses combined with disease-resistant crop varieties. For example, farmer Trịnh Kim Loan in Đức Trọng District successfully cultivates baby cucumbers in net houses, achieving rapid growth (harvest in just 24 days) and strong pest resistance. This method reduces dependency on traditional greenhouses while maintaining yield.
Scientific Solutions: Breeding Climate-Resilient Crops
Nguyễn Khánh Dư, CEO of a high-tech seed company in Đắk Nông, emphasizes the importance of developing adaptive crop varieties that thrive in open-field or net-house conditions. Their locally bred baby cucumber variety demonstrates:
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Shorter growth cycles (1 month to harvest)
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Extended harvest periods (up to 2 months)
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Lower costs compared to imported seeds
Dr. Phạm Văn Hiền, a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, highlights that these varieties offer higher profitability and reduced environmental impact compared to traditional greenhouse farming.
Government Action and Future Goals
Lâm Đồng’s authorities aim to:
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Reduce greenhouse areas by 20% in urban zones by 2025
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Eliminate illegal greenhouses by 2030 (already dismantled 82% of unauthorized structures)
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Promote high-tech, sustainable alternatives like net houses and resilient crop varieties
A Path to Sustainable Agriculture
The solution lies in integrating strict regulations with scientific advancements. By adopting disease-resistant, fast-maturing crops and transitioning to low-impact net houses, Lâm Đồng can achieve economic viability while preserving its environment.
