(vasep.com.vn) Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) has approved to adopt a plan on pangagius farming and processing in Mekong Delta by 2020.
Accordingly, the development of pangasius farming and processing is aimed to be more focused and more environmental friendly. Pangasius products will serve both export and domestic consumption.
By 2016, fish farming area in the Mekong Delta is expected to be 5,300-5,400 hectare, with production of 1.25 to 1.3 million MT, added value products accounted for 8-10%, exports reaching US$ 2-2.3 billion.
By 2020, farming area in the Mekong Delta is expected to be 7,600-7,800 hectare, with production of 1.8-1.9 million MT, added value products of accounted for 15%-20%, exports reaching US$ 2.6-3 billion.
By 2015, 3 billion fingerlings would be produced. This figure would grow to 3.5 billion in 2020. National aquaculture breeding centers as well as hatcheries in Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho, Hau Giang, Vinh Long, Tien Giang would produce mostly these fingerlings.
The area for farming must be compatible for the development of this species.
In the period of 2015 - 2016, upgrading equipment and facilities in plants are focused to supply new products with higher added values. Processed products would reach 8-12%.
From 2017 to 2020, based on market demand and production capacity, farms can invest in processing facilities. It is noticed that this is not only for frozen pangasius fillets. Science and technological advances would be applied. Automatic production is accounted by 80 - 90% and high added value products are made of 15-20% of total production.