Vietnam loses between US$3.5 billion and US$4.1 billion each year because a large share of its crops spoil before reaching market. The loss equals about 35‑45 % of total produce, a serious issue for the country.

At a food‑innovation forum in Hue, researchers Dr. Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Dr. Le Thanh Long and Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Toan presented a study from Hue University. They found that high upfront investment costs make up 57 % of the obstacles that stop farmers from using new technology.

Standardised cold‑storage facilities, IoT temperature sensors and transport‑management software are among the tools mentioned. For many cooperatives and small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises, the required investment is simply out of reach.

Experts say that even a modest five‑percent cut in transportation losses could preserve hundreds of millions of dollars across the sector. Digital tools such as smart sensors, IoT‑linked cold chains and big‑data analytics can help achieve that reduction by improving storage and routing decisions.

A circular‑economy approach can also add value. Rice husks, straw and other residues can be processed into bio‑active compounds, biodegradable packaging, biogas or organic fertilizers, creating new revenue streams while reducing waste.

The next step, according to the forum, is to strengthen public‑private partnerships through a collaborative incubation model that brings together government, research institutes, businesses and startups. By lowering cost barriers and applying digital and circular solutions, Vietnam could cut billions of dollars in post‑harvest losses.