Tech Boosts Pangasius Farming Amid Challenges

Challenges and Declining Prices in the Pangasius Sector

An Giang, one of the largest pangasius producers in the Mekong Delta, is facing significant challenges in the sector. The prices of pangasius have been declining since late 2019, causing severe losses for farmers. Commercial pangasius of sizes 0.8-1kg are currently priced between 18,200 and 18,500 dong/kg, while sizes over 1kg range from 17,800 to 18,000 dong/kg. With these prices, farmers are experiencing losses of 4,000-5,000 dong/kg.

The Province’s Efforts towards Sustainable Agriculture Development

Trần Anh Thư, Chairman of An Giang People’s Committee, shared that the province is implementing a sustainable agriculture development plan to revitalize the pangasius sector. A key aspect of this plan is the establishment of a high-value pangasius broodstock production chain. The production involves units ranked in three levels to ensure quality and sustainability.

High-Value Pangasius Broodstock Production Chain

The first level of the production chain involves the Research Institute of Aquaculture 2, which has provided 12,320 pangasius broodstocks to replace approximately 30% of the existing broodstock in the province. The second level includes the An Giang Seafood Livestock Center and other cooperated facilities that have contributed 26,300 pangasius broodstocks, accounting for 64% of the province’s broodstock supply.

These units have obtained certificates as qualified seafood nurseries in compliance with the Government’s Decree no.26/2019/ND-CP. The third level of the production chain comprises pangasius nursery groups consisting of 54 members who collectively own 251 hectares of nursing surface water.

These groups provide 700-800 million pangasius broodstocks annually, covering 43% of the province’s total nursing area. The Provincial Seafood Association collaborates with these groups to guide members in meeting seafood nursery conditions and obtaining examination and certification as qualified nurseries. Currently, nine out of eleven facilities, covering 34 hectares, have been granted certificates.

Investments in Centralized Nursing Area and High-Quality Pangasius Project

To further enhance the quality of pangasius broodstocks, four companies have committed to investing in a centralized nursing area equipped with advanced technologies. These companies include Viet-Uc (104 hectares), Nam Viet One Member Ltd., Co (600 hectares, including 150 hectares in Châu Phú district), Vĩnh Hoàn (48.3 hectares), and Lộc Kim Chi Development Ltd., Co (350 hectares).

The implementation of the project is underway, and a production plan for 2020 has been adopted. These investments will contribute to elevating the quality of pangasius broodstocks in the future. In conclusion, An Giang’s efforts towards sustainable agriculture development in the pangasius sector demonstrate their commitment to overcoming challenges and ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.

By establishing a high-value pangasius broodstock production chain and attracting investments in advanced technologies, the province aims to improve the quality and competitiveness of its pangasius products.