This review summarizes the standout achievements of Vietnam's agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector in the first half of 2026. The sector grew by 3.87%, contributing 5.66% to the national economy's total value added. These figures underscore agriculture's role as a solid pillar of the economy amid global volatility.

Overview

With the world economy still uncertain and climate change posing ongoing challenges, the sector's first-half 2026 growth is a notable bright spot. Its 5.66% contribution to value added reaffirms agriculture's role as an economic buffer — for food security, social stability, and the trade balance alike.

Food security

  • Winter-spring rice yield estimated at 69.8 quintals/ha, up 1.2 quintals/ha year-on-year
  • Rice output estimated at nearly 20.5 million tonnes
  • Livestock stable: pork output up 4.8%, poultry up 5.6%

Rising rice yields alongside high output reflect effective seed programs, cultivation techniques, and crop management, underpinning Vietnam's position as a leading rice exporter.

Export growth

  • Durian reached 603,300 tonnes, up 12.7% year-on-year
  • Jackfruit reached 512,000 tonnes, up 10.3%
  • Fisheries: total output of 4,954,200 tonnes, up 3.6%

Strong growth in fruit exports such as durian and jackfruit reflects rising demand for high-quality tropical produce, while highlighting the need to improve quality, traceability, and market diversification.

Output growth must go hand in hand with higher quality, brand building, and market expansion — the true path to sustainable development for Vietnamese produce.

Forest protection and outlook

Damaged forest area fell to just 347 ha, down 59.1% year-on-year — an impressive result in sustainable forest protection, significant given Vietnam's commitments to emissions reduction and biodiversity. To sustain momentum, the sector should push digital transformation, green and climate-adaptive agriculture, food safety and traceability, and deeper processing with diversified export markets. As a research and applied-science institute, ASTRI supports these sustainable-development goals through research, technology transfer, and international cooperation.

Source: Agroecology Magazine – sinhthainongnghiep.net.vn