MECHANIZATION CAPACITY ASSESSMENT OF KEY AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES IN CONCENTRATED PRODUCTION AREAS

Enhancing agricultural mechanization capacity is considered a key driver for the sustainable development of concentrated raw material zones, contributing to higher productivity, improved product quality, and increased competitiveness of agricultural products. This study aims to develop and apply a set of criteria to assess mechanization capacity in selected concentrated agricultural production areas in Viet Nam, identify major constraints, and propose appropriate policy solutions. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining desk review, field surveys, and descriptive statistical analysis, together with an adapted technology capability assessment framework based on Circular No. 17/2019/ TT-BKHCN. Case studies were conducted for five major commodities, including rice, coffee, mango, durian, and plantation timber, across pilot 1 raw material zones. The results reveal significant disparities in mechanization capacity among commodities. Rice production demonstrates relatively advanced and synchronized mechanization, while perennial crops, fruit production, and forestry remain constrained, particularly in post-harvest operations, organizational management, and innovation capacity. Based on these findings, the study proposes policy recommendations to promote value-chain-based mechanization, closely linked with the development of concentrated raw material zones, through improved credit access, infrastructure investment, human resource development, and strengthened domestic agricultural machinery manufacturing.