Study on Pangasius and Shrimp Farming and Processing

Briefly remarking on achievements and shortcomings of the agriculture sector and rural development, Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, requested deputies and specialists to contribute opinions and recommendations to work out breakthrough solutions to create development momentum for agriculture and rural areas.

 

Deputy Bui Thi An asked for more details about the Vietnam agricultural development strategy for the upcoming period, with her focus on solutions to scientific and technological application to agriculture to achieve development goals. She repeatedly requested the present representatives of the Ministry of Industry and Trade to state coordinative solutions for organising an effective trade system and precluding illicit trade in farming products that harms farmers.

 

Meanwhile, Deputy Huynh Minh Hoang from Ca Mau province raised the following issue: "The Mekong River Delta accounts for 70 percent of aquaculture area and seafood export output but research has not been given proper importance. Ca Mau province has only one small research unit with poor facilities. How can it attract talents and undertake big projects? Do you have any plan to this, Mr. Minister?”

 

In reply to Deputy Bui Thi An, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Cao Duc Phat admitted that in spite of being amongst the 15 biggest exporters of agricultural products, Vietnam’s agriculture is still being developed with limited effectiveness. “It's time we switched to higher quality, value and competitiveness of agricultural products. Not only being an economic sector, agriculture also contributes to social stability and sustainable development,” he said. According to him, the key solution is to reorganise the production with focus on connecting farmers and enterprises to boost sales and more equitable interest distribution.

 

Answering Deputy Huynh Minh Hoang, Minister Phat said the ministry is very much concerned about the fisheries sector and is working with relevant localities and branches to direct scientific research agencies to identify suitable infrastructure models. Research will be concentrated on pangasius and shrimp farming and processing instead of dispersing resources into different studies. The ministry will propose the Government provide concessional credits for fishermen.

 

Deputies also raised many questions about livestock husbandry efficiency. Minister Phat said: "It is true that animal husbandry is the weakest area. In the coming time, we will encourage large-scale husbandry development to boost productivity and quality while assisting smallholding farming households to raise livestock safely, effectively. Researches will focus on creating good livestock species, tapping local strengths and advantages, and preventing disease outbreaks.”

 

Expressing concerns about budgets for agricultural and rural science and technology, Deputy Bui Nguyen Suy asked “While state budget for scientific research [in this field] is VND2.4 trillion, how many study projects are created? How are they applied to reality? How much do they contribute to the GDP? How has the State managed the budget for scientific research?”

 

Nguyen Quan, Minister of Science and Technology, said that applied science in agriculture is a big issue. Mentioning the competitiveness of the livestock sector, he said there is almost no research on feed production to replace imports. He noted that, according to the amended Law on Science and Technology, study projects are now more practical. Companies can place orders on technological innovation from research institutes.