Local authorities of the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong’s Dat Lat City have approved a plan that intends to see the city be transformed into Southeast Asia’s top vegetable producer.

The plan would see the city develop comprehensive and sustainable high-tech agriculture and improve its investment environment in the 2016-2020 period.

Hi-tech application in growing vegetables in Lam Dong Province

Local authorities have set a target to apply new technologies in up to 70% of Da Lat’s vegetable growing areas, equal to around 7,000 hectares, by 2020.

The agricultural sector’s production value is expected to reach VND4.34 trillion (USD193 million), of which vegetable and flower exports account for 20%.

Da Lat will also promote sustainable farming model in combination with tourism development, offering tours to hi-tech farming areas.

Dat Lat is known as the City of Eternal Spring for its distinctive temperate climate. It was developed as a resort by the French in the early twentieth century, and many reminders of its colonial heritage remain. Da Lat currently hosts a popular biennial flower festival.