Promoting brackish and saltwater tilapia farming.

To create a breakthrough for the tilapia industry, we need a 'chief architect' to guide its overall development.

Mr. Nhu Van Can, Deputy Director of the Fisheries and Fisheries Inspection Department ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ), stated: “Tilapia is a species with enormous potential, however, for a long time it has not developed in proportion to expectations. The biggest bottleneck currently lies in market issues and commercial competition – factors with many underlying issues that need to be fundamentally addressed.”

Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Fisheries Association, believes that much work remains to be done for Vietnam's tilapia industry to achieve a breakthrough. Photo: Hong Tham .

Mr. Can gave an example: to make production competitive, we must first lower production costs. To achieve this, we need to develop large-scale production, apply technology, optimize input materials, and many other factors to reduce costs. However, Vietnam is facing immense competitive pressure from countries with similar natural conditions and advantages in these areas.

Another weakness is that our tilapia industry remains fragmented, lacking large-scale production areas to ensure stability in output and quality. This dispersion makes organizing the supply chain and accessing markets challenging.

Furthermore, market development efforts still face many limitations. The diversification of processed products, as well as skills and techniques in accessing, promoting, and bringing products to market, especially export markets, have not been implemented as effectively as expected, Mr. Can added.

To help Vietnam's tilapia industry achieve a breakthrough , Mr. Pham Anh Tuan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Vietnam Fisheries Association, stated: "There is still much work to be done. In all stages, from breeding and feed to markets, there are still many issues."

Mr. Tuan analyzed that, regarding breeding stock, we currently have a fairly good source of breeding stock, but there are still two issues that need to be addressed. Firstly, we must proactively produce breeding stock domestically to reduce dependence on imports. Secondly, we must continue to improve the quality of breeding stock to meet the requirements of commercial farming.

"Furthermore, Vietnam's tilapia production still lags behind many countries, so if we want to make a difference, we need to promote tilapia farming in brackish and saltwater environments. Clearly, to achieve this, we need to develop a specific breed, creating a distinct strain that is advantageous in brackish and saltwater areas," Mr. Tuan emphasized.

Regarding feed, it currently accounts for a very large proportion, 60-65%, of the total farming costs. To reduce this burden, there are two important approaches. Firstly, if a good source of breeding stock is available, the feed conversion efficiency will be higher, helping to reduce costs. Secondly, it is necessary to build a rational farming system, applying technology and management processes to optimize the amount of feed used.

To create a unique identity for Vietnamese tilapia, it is necessary to promote the development of tilapia farming models in brackish and saltwater environments. Photo: Hong Tham.

Regarding the market, there are two key factors. As latecomers, we cannot compete solely on price; we need to create distinctive products that bear the Vietnamese mark, perhaps high-quality tilapia raised in brackish or saltwater environments, or focus on product lines that reduce emissions and ensure animal welfare to meet new consumer trends.

Furthermore, market information plays a particularly important role in helping the industry avoid repeating past mistakes in supply and demand, while also guiding sustainable production that aligns with actual needs.

Mr. Tuan emphasized: "These issues require us to implement a comprehensive approach. If we only consider this a 'golden opportunity' and people rush into raising livestock without a balanced supply and demand in the market, it could easily lead to a sharp increase in production, but the resulting collapse would also be significant."

"In short, to create a breakthrough for the tilapia industry, we need a 'chief architect' to guide overall development. Each stage – from breeding, feed, farming technology, processing to market – must have someone in charge and a clear roadmap. Only then can this industry develop sustainably and deliver tangible results," Mr. Tuan emphasized.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/thuc-day-nuoi-ro-phi-nuoc-lo-man-d783025.html