Rooted in history, Vietnam National University of Agriculture stands as a beacon of agricultural education and research. Established on October 12, 1956, it was initially known as the University of Agriculture and Forestry. The university’s journey began in Van Dien Hanoi. Professor Bui Huy Dap was the first Rector.
Vietnam National University of Agriculture moved to its current location in Trau Quy Gia Lam in 1959. The university has undergone several name changes. It became the Academy of Agriculture and Forestry in 1958. In 1963, it split into the University of Agriculture and the University of Forestry. By 1967, it was renamed Agricultural University. In 2008, it transitioned to Hanoi University of Agriculture. Finally, in 2014, it adopted its present name: Vietnam National University of Agriculture.
Imagine the early days of the university. It began with just three departments: Agronomy, Animal Husbandry-Veterinary Medicine, and Forestry education. These departments covered five disciplines. They were farming, agricultural mechanics, animal husbandry, veterinary studies and forestry.
Vietnam National University of Agriculture played a vital role in agricultural advancements. It created three rice varieties: 813, 828, and VN1. The university also developed two high-yielding sweet potato varieties.
After the country’s reunification in 1975, the university contributed to establishing Agricultural University No IV. Now it is the University of Agriculture and Forestry in Ho Chi Minh City. Hundreds of experienced staff and engineers were sent to southern provinces. In 1977, the Faculty of Land Management was established.
Consider the growth. By the early 2000s, Vietnam National University of Agriculture had expanded significantly. It comprised 13 science departments, 9 faculties, and numerous institutes and centers. The university now has over 700 academic staff. There are over 1300 administrative staff members. The student body grew. It rose from 12300 in 2001 to 17600 in 2005.
Vietnam National University of Agriculture boasts a wide range of faculties today. These include Agronomy, Animal Science, and Biotechnology. There is also Economics and Rural Development, Engineering, and Environment. The university also has Fisheries, Food Science and Technology, and Information Technology faculties. Land Management, Political and Social Sciences, and Veterinary Medicine are present.
The Vietnam National University of Agriculture motto is “Agriculture – farmers – rural”. These words encapsulate its mission. The university has received many awards. These include the Ho Chi Minh Medal in 2001 and the Hero of Labor award in 2005.
Vietnam National University of Agriculture continues to thrive. It embraces international cooperation. It offers advanced programs in crop science and business administration in agriculture. The university engages in joint training programs. These programs connect it with institutions like the University of Life Sciences Van Hall Larenstein. General Secretary and President To Lam attended the Opening Ceremony of the New School Year 2024-2025
As we conclude our visit, remember the Vietnam National University of Agriculture’s commitment. It is dedicated to agricultural excellence. It shapes the future of Vietnam’s agriculture.