Vietnam Striving to Produce 1.5 Mln Tons of Pangasius this Year

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and pangasius processors and breeders have discussed ways to produce 1.3 million-1.5 million tons of fish this year.

 

At the meeting in Mekong Delta Can Tho city February 12, participants agreed that pangasius breeders and processors should boost cooperation for the shake of their own because 2009 will be a hard year.

 

The processors and exporters are advised to transfer technology to breeders while signing contracts with them to ensure stable material prices.

 

Meanwhile, local companies call for support from the Ministry of Planning and Investment in setting up wholesale aquatic product market and irrigation system.

 

The companies also suggested the Ministry of Finance cut valued added tax on aquatic feed.

 

Pangasius is now bred in 6,000 hectares in eight Mekong Delta provinces. But according to provincial associations of seafood exporters and producer, nearly 50 per cent of local households have halted releasing fish, 30 per cent of them lost capital, and 40 per cent are unable to pay debt.

 

Prices of pangasius are now standing at VND14,000-VND16,000 per kilogram, up by VND1,500-2,500 from late 2008. (Vietnam Economic Times)