Dong Nai sets ambitious targets for new-style rural development

Despite these challenges, many communes across Dong Nai are making strong efforts to overcome obstacles, setting ambitious targets and demonstrating determination to achieve NRA status in 2026. Across the city, six localities have now set goals to complete NRD requirements this year, one more than originally planned.

Maintaining high ambitions for new-style rural development

Following administrative restructuring, Dong Nai now has 95 commune-level administrative units, including 23 wards and 72 communes. The province originally targeted five communes to achieve NRA status under the new national criteria for NRA this year. However, after 10 communes were upgraded to ward status effective from April 30, 2026, as part of Dong Nai’s transition to a city, only 62 communes remain in the new-style rural development program. Since many of the upgraded communes had already nearly completed NRD targets, the remaining localities must accelerate their efforts to reach the finish line earlier than originally planned.

An official from Xuan Dinh Commune Farmers' Association visits a high-tech cantaloupe farm in the locality. Photo: Lo Van Hop

Based on consultations with departments, agencies, and local authorities regarding the adjustment of the 2026 NRA target list, the municipal Department of Agriculture and Environment has drafted a decision proposing six communes to pursue NRA recognition this year: Thong Nhat, Xuan Dinh, Xuan Bac, Dinh Quan, Phu Vinh, and Cam My. If approved, Dong Nai would increase its target from five to six communes achieving NRA status in 2026.

This directive poses a considerable challenge because the national NRA criteria for 2026–2030 include seven newly introduced indicators and higher requirements in several areas than the 2021–2025 framework. The program also shifts its focus to green economic development, agricultural digital transformation, environmental improvements, and the raising of living standards in rural communities.

Specifically, the national set of NRA criteria for the 2026-2030 period includes seven newly issued indicators, compared to the previous period. In addition, some indicators require a higher level compared to the 2021-2025 period, such as: the average income growth rate of rural residents reaching 9.5-12% per year (the average for the 2021-2025 period was about 7-8%/year); having a "smart village" model; concentrated agricultural production areas applying synchronized scientific and technical advances and certified for food safety.

Localities push for breakthrough progress

Communes targeting NRA recognition this year are working aggressively to overcome these new challenges. Local authorities are leveraging their unique strengths to accelerate development, focusing not only on improving rural infrastructure but also on expanding commodity-based agricultural production and developing modern, ecologically sustainable rural communities.

Organic guava farming model in Xuan Bac commune.

Xuan Dinh Commune benefits from a favorable transportation infrastructure, with national highways and provincial roads running through the locality. The commune is also connected by an expanding road network linking Long Khanh and Hang Gon wards, facilitating transportation and logistics for residents and businesses. These advantages have enabled Xuan Dinh to pursue outward-oriented economic development, capitalizing on favorable natural conditions for agriculture while promoting services connected to agricultural supply chains. Improved regional connectivity has strengthened commercial activities and supported efforts to enhance living standards, protect the environment, and promote sustainable green growth. The commune also possesses strong potential for eco-tourism and resort development.

According to Dang Thi Thuy Nga, Director of Xuan Dinh Agricultural Trade and Service Cooperative, local farmers have demonstrated strong adaptability and innovation. Many households have shifted from lower-value crops to more profitable fruit cultivation models. “At the same time, the cooperative has successfully implemented large-scale linked production and consumption projects for VietGAP-certified durian specialties. Xuan Dinh durian has achieved three-star OCOP certification, contributing to building a stronger brand presence both domestically and internationally,” Nga said.

Cam My Commune, another locality seeking NRA recognition this year, has already met many of the difficult criteria. Typically, the indicator for concentrated raw material areas for the commune's key crops and livestock has been certified for quality, linked to processing and product consumption; there are effective high-tech agricultural models or green economy, circular economy models; there is a plan and effective implementation of the OCOP product development plan associated with the local characteristics and strengths; rural tourism models in the commune's general planning have synchronously invested infrastructure connecting and operating effectively associated with local characteristics; there are effectively operating cooperatives. Notably, average income growth in Cam My currently stands at approximately 6.1%. Average annual per capita income reached nearly VND97.5 million in 2025 and is projected to rise to around VND103.5 million by the end of 2026.

Communes pursuing NRA recognition have also actively implemented digital transformation and technology adoption to strengthen rural economies and create smarter communities, contributing to more modern and civilized countryside development.

Nguyen Dai Thang, Chairman of the Cam My Commune People's Committee, said the locality will continue investing in rural infrastructure aligned with ecological and modern development goals. Investments have focused on cultural institutions, schools, community transport projects, and electricity systems that support daily life and production activities. The commune has also effectively mobilized social resources to improve landscapes and rural environments, contributing to increasingly modern, attractive, and well-developed countryside areas.