Unlocking the potential for the development of the pangasius industry

The Mekong Delta has a great advantage in raising and processing pangasius for export. Photo: MINH HIEN

Advantages and challenges

After nearly 30 years of development, the pangasius industry has become a symbol of the fisheries sector in the lower Mekong River. The entire region currently raises pangasius on about 5,700 hectares of water surface, with an output of 1.4 million tons/year, an export turnover of more than 2 billion USD, creating stable jobs for more than half a million workers.

Many provinces such as An Giang and Dong Thap have formed concentrated farming areas, linking businesses and farmers. Thanks to abundant water resources and long-term farming experience, Vietnamese pangasius is exported to more than 140 markets.

There is still plenty of room for growth as the global market increasingly favors “green” seafood products with traceable origins. The issue is that the pangasius industry needs to shift from quantity-based development to quality, aiming for sustainable development.

The pangasius industry provides stable jobs for half a million workers. Photo: MINH HIEN

However, to turn that potential into sustainable value, the pangasius industry must overcome "bottlenecks" in technology, market and value chain management. Mr. Tran Vu Em - Head of the Phu Hoa Commune Fish Seed Association said: "The biggest difficulty now is production costs and capital. Many small-scale farmers lack capital to renovate their ponds and need working capital to import feed and aquatic medicine in the context of constantly fluctuating prices of these items. Diseases are still a constant risk, affecting productivity and product quality."

According to Mr. Le Chi Binh - Vice Chairman of the Provincial Fisheries Association, the current pangasius industry chain is still loosely linked, making farmers vulnerable when the market fluctuates, while businesses have to bear high costs to achieve international certifications such as ASC, HACCP, BRC... Vietnamese pangasius is still heavily dependent on large markets such as China, the US, and the EU. Therefore, when trade barriers change, export activities are likely to decline. In addition, the increasingly serious situation of climate change, salinity intrusion and water pollution makes the problem of sustainable development more urgent than ever.

Workers of IDI Multinational Investment and Development Joint Stock Company process tra fish for export. Photo: Dang Linh

Towards sustainable development

To unlock the potential of the pangasius industry, the key issue is to continue improving techniques, industry chain management and the ability to adapt to market fluctuations and climate change. From that reality, many businesses in An Giang, Dong Thap, and Can Tho have boldly invested in recirculating farming models, applied reusable water filtration systems (RAS) and digitized farm management to reduce costs and increase traceability.

In the processing stage, businesses need to focus on developing value-added products such as: fish fillets, fish balls, collagen, fish oil, animal feed... to make the most of by-products, continuing to improve economic efficiency for the entire industry. Mr. Doan Toi - General Director of Nam Viet Joint Stock Company said: "If we make the most of finished products and by-products, the export value of tra fish can far exceed the current level of 2 billion USD/year".

Packaging pangasius products before export. Photo: MINH HIEN

In addition to the efforts of enterprises, the role of the government and pangasius industry associations is also important. The State needs to continue planning farming areas in the direction of biosafety, investing in transport infrastructure, electricity, water, and expanding preferential credit for farmers, cooperatives and enterprises. The agricultural sector needs to increase the issuance of farming area codes and improve the electronic traceability system to meet the requirements of the world market.

Along with that, it is necessary to step up trade promotion and promote the brand “Vietnam Pangasius” in key markets. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers should continue to act as a bridge, share information, warn of technical barriers, and help businesses respond promptly.

The Vietnamese pangasius industry is facing great opportunities, but also many new challenges. To maintain its position, this industry needs to promote the connection of the "four houses" (State - enterprises - scientists - farmers). Accordingly, the State is responsible for creating a favorable policy and legal framework. Enterprises continue to invest in technology and develop domestic and international markets. Scientists transfer technical advances to fishermen and businesses. Fish farmers comply with safe production processes and enhance environmental protection.

When the links in the value chain are linked together, Vietnamese pangasius will not only be a key export product but also a symbol of prosperity and sustainable development in the lower Mekong River region.

MINH HIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/khai-mo-tiem-nang-de-nganh-hang-ca-tra-phat-trien-a464085.html