 |
| Hoang Thuc Hao. — Photo tienphong.vn |
Architect Hoang Thuc Hao talks to Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper on how to apply high-tech agriculture in high rises in Ha Noi
Will you please explain your idea to develop agricultural production inside Ha Noi’s inner city?
A simple yet very important issue here is that prices of agriculture products in Ha Noi are much higher than in other localities. In order to have more products and meet Ha Noi’s demands, the most common course of action is to clear forest land in areas outside the city to grow crops. Many people have even cut down trees in forests close to the city for agricultural production – a very damaging action to the environment that causes big problems with land erosion. Some people think that claiming land from the forest to become self-sufficient is a good practice. But in reality, it is harmful!
It is time for Ha Noi’s farmers to think of applying technology in their agriculture and pay more attention to food safety for their consumers.
About a decade ago, people living in some major cities initiated the idea of practicing agriculture right in the city. This has been done in Singapore, Japan, Israel, Sweden, Spain and others. It is a good lesson and we can learn from them.
Ha Noi has grown to four times its previous size. In my opinion, Ha Noi has plenty of land for us to develop, but we have not used it efficiently or wisely. I’m sorry to say many farmers still use a lot of chemical agents in their production.
I remember that in the period of the State subsidisation some 30 years ago, many families raised pigs or chickens in their small apartments for their own consumption. Are things different now that we are in the age of Industry 4.0?
It is indisputable that Industry 4.0 technology changes things. Digital technology is an effective tool for us to manage architectural planning. For example, in Japan, Singapore and some other countries, high-tech agriculture has been widely applied, saving a lot of water and space.
I understand Ha Noi cannot be like Singapore or Japan right now. But we can learn lessons from them for our future.
Can Ha Noi apply Industry 4.0 in its development?
The answer is yes! The first thing is we should pay more attention to the city’s new expansion areas as they have not yet become overloaded.
To do that, I suggest we come up with good planning ideas on food self-sufficiency for future urban areas. Of course, the development of these areas must be based on the concept of a smart city, yet the development should suitable for our economic condition.
Hoi An is a good example for Ha Noi. However, some things sows have been detected in Hoi An’s development. Many rich people from other localities have invested their money in real estate there in the hope of gaining high profits. I’m afraid to say if things keep going this way, Hoi An will lose its traditional identity and a market economy will soon prevail. This is food for thought for the Hoi An authorities. Development and preserving the ancient town’s heritage should go hand in hand.
What about the preservation of Hoi An’s outlying areas?
Just like with Ha Noi, outlying districts play a very important role in its development. For example, Hoi An should pay attention to the development of Cam Thanh, which is considered the town’s lung, or the Tra Que area – an important supplier of vegetables for Hoi An’s population. In other words, Hoi An authorities should develop a workable plan for its ecological development and conservation activities.
The ecology system is an important foundation for a city to develop. It is the roots of its identity. — VNS
OVietnam