(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
According to industry authorities, the pangasius selective breeding program has achieved many positive results. Notably, the G5 selective breeding generation currently shows a growth rate approximately 15.4% higher than previous generations. Improvements in genetic quality help fish grow faster, reduce feed conversion ratios, and enhance the efficiency of commercial farming.
Alongside breeding programs, the pangasius sector is also accelerating the application of science and technology in hatchery production and commercial farming. Many provinces in the Mekong Delta are focusing on developing high-quality seed production systems, strengthening disease control, and improving traceability to meet import market requirements.
Experts noted that fingerlings are the “foundation” of the entire pangasius production chain. Poor-quality seed can increase mortality rates, leading to higher feed and medication costs as well as greater disease risks. In contrast, high-quality fingerlings help improve survival rates, enhance productivity, and raise the quality of processed products.
As international competition becomes increasingly intense, restructuring the pangasius industry from the breeding stage is expected to help reduce production costs, increase export value, and strengthen the position of Vietnamese pangasius in the global market.