Sustainable development of the pangasius industry

Updated: 16/11/2024 04:58:23

DTO - Recognizing pangasius farming as a strategic industry for the province, Dong Thap has focused on developing this industry sustainably and increasing its added value. Specifically, the province has implemented solutions to improve the efficiency of production, consumption, and market information linkages; and carried out digital transformation in the management and operation of the pangasius industry, including planning, identification code issuance, production information, market data, and farming environment.

In recent times, Dong Thap province has focused on developing high-quality catfish breeding stock.

Focus on developing the pangasius industry.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (ARD) of Dong Thap province, in recent years, the locality has focused on developing the pangasius industry in a modern direction, emphasizing value-added products that meet quality and food safety standards for both domestic and export markets. In 2024, the province's pangasius farming area is estimated to reach 2,630 hectares, exceeding the target by 7.3%, with farming mainly concentrated in Hong Nguy City and the districts of Tan Hong, Chau Thanh, and Thanh Binh. The value of pangasius production in 2024 is estimated at VND 8,802 billion, accounting for 17.36% of the value structure of the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector.

Currently, the province has 378 commercial pangasius farming facilities with pond identification codes, covering an area of ​​1,630 hectares. The area of ​​households engaged in farming under partnerships with feed manufacturers and processing companies is 804.7 hectares. To date, 91.5% of commercial pangasius farming facilities in the province have been granted certificates of eligibility for production or have signed commitments to produce safe food according to regulations.

Regarding pangasius catfish breeding, the province has 94 breeding facilities, of which 17 facilities use genetically improved pangasius catfish for reproduction, accounting for 18%; and more than 1,000 facilities for rearing pangasius catfish fry. In 2024, these facilities are estimated to produce more than 1.2 billion pangasius catfish fry (including 500 million high-quality pangasius catfish). At the same time, 60 facilities in the province have been granted certificates of eligibility for breeding catfish.

Towards developing this advantageous industry, in recent years, various sectors and levels in the province have implemented many science and technology tasks. During the 2021-2023 period, the province had two tasks handed over for application and one task currently being implemented, including: the project "Production of organic fertilizer from by-products and waste products in the processing of pangasius fish in Dong Thap province"; the research topic "Study on the swim bladder disease of industrially farmed pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) and proposed solutions for prevention and treatment"; and the research topic "Standardization of LAMP technique for detecting hepatorenal abscess disease in pangasius fish in Dong Thap province".

Furthermore, developing high-tech aquaculture models, including recirculating aquaculture systems, aims to minimize water exchange from ponds into the external environment, reducing disease outbreaks. This model is considered suitable given the current climate change situation. Implementing the project "Building a two-stage catfish nursery model linked to product consumption" in the 2023-2024 period will gradually change perceptions regarding appropriate stocking densities and lead to changes in production techniques, selection of suitable rearing times, and the use of biological products to improve water quality.

Hong Ngự City is orienting the development of pangasius farming areas towards sustainability.

Hung Ca Co., Ltd. (Thanh Binh district) owns over 700 hectares of pangasius fish farming area. The company applies closed-loop production processes from farming, processing, and export according to international standards, ensuring a stable supply of raw materials and strict monitoring of the production process. Mr. Tran Van Hung, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Hung Ca Co., Ltd., said: “Adhering to international standards regarding water systems, ponds, farming techniques, and fish processing plants requires significant investment, but in return, the fish are less susceptible to disease, production increases by 3-5%, product quality is improved, and production costs are reduced...”.

With the support of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Provincial Department of Industry and Trade has developed, operated, supported, and guided businesses, cooperatives, and business households in using the Product Traceability Management System. Simultaneously, through training programs, it encourages and guides farming establishments to apply and certify production processes and standards such as VietGAP, GlobalGAP, ASC, and BAP; implementing traceability processes in production to enhance product value and quality.

Furthermore, businesses in Dong Thap focus on creating many high-value-added, high-quality products from pangasius fish such as spring rolls, fish balls, collagen, gelatin, fish oil, dried fish skin, etc., and using pangasius by-products to process animal feed. In addition, by-products and waste from the production industry are used to produce organic fertilizers for agricultural production.

Harvesting catfish (Photo: N. Phong)

Enhancing product competitiveness

According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dong Thap province, in the plan to restructure the pangasius industry by 2025, Dong Thap sets the goal of having 100% of pangasius farming facilities digitized with identification codes as prescribed; 100% of commercial pangasius farming facilities granted certificates of eligibility for production or signed commitments to produce safe food as prescribed; 50% of commercial pangasius farming area applying and certified with Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) standards; and 90% of individual pangasius farming households participating in production and consumption linkages. The plan aims for over 75% of fingerlings used for commercial farming to be high-quality; ensuring that 60% of pangasius fry breeding facilities use genetically improved fish stocks; 60% of farming areas have wastewater and sludge treatment systems as prescribed; and 100% of water sources on the main river are regularly monitored as prescribed...

To effectively achieve the set goals, the province will focus on disseminating information about planning, legal regulations on aquaculture management, and related documents from the central and local governments to organizations and individuals for their awareness and implementation. It will advise on the issuance of a Decision approving and implementing the plan for managing commercial pangasius farming areas in Dong Thap province until 2030, with a vision to 2050. Simultaneously, it will continue to monitor water quality for aquaculture; and cooperate with the Research Institute for Aquaculture 2 to support localities in selecting breeding stock of pangasius for rapid growth and disease resistance, aiming to improve the quality of fingerlings for commercial farming to achieve high efficiency.

In addition, it is necessary to effectively inspect the production conditions of input production facilities such as: breeding stock, feed; ensure food safety; monitor residues of harmful substances in aquatic products; organize and coordinate trade promotion programs, introduce and promote products domestically and internationally; strengthen activities to support businesses and cooperatives in connecting with distributors through conferences, seminars, and forums at home and internationally to seek and develop markets...

Mr. Ong Hang Van, Deputy General Director of Truong Giang Aquatic Products Company (Sa Dec City), shared: “In the coming time, to enhance the value of the pangasius industry, businesses and farmers need to change their farming methods, breed new fish, raise them at low densities, and prevent diseases to help pangasius grow faster, lower costs, and improve the competitiveness of the product.”

Mr. Duong Nghia Quoc, Chairman of the Vietnam Pangasius Association, stated: “In the coming time, Dong Thap needs to focus on developing pangasius broodstock. Accordingly, it is necessary to concretize the program to improve the quality of broodstock in each region, build infrastructure, and implement policies to attract businesses to participate in the broodstock development program. Along with that, the province needs policies to encourage businesses to participate in the value chain linkage of the pangasius industry, apply science and technology to develop and produce high-quality products...”

Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Thien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Thap province, shared that in the coming time, to enhance the competitiveness of pangasius products, businesses need to research and apply scientific and technological advancements in selecting and breeding new fish varieties. At the same time, they should improve production and processing methods to gradually increase the scientific and technological content in pangasius products, contributing to the development of the pangasius industry. Along with that, they should strengthen investment and modernize technological equipment from farming to processing and export to improve productivity and product quality...

Nam Phong

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/kinh-te/phat-trien-ben-vung-nganh-hang-ca-tra-127105.aspx