Dong Thap digitises pangasius farming, aims for 100% farm traceability
Dong Thap province in Vietnam is moving to digitise its pangasius industry by issuing identification codes and production certificates to all farms, as part of efforts to modernise production and improve food safety standards.
The province targets having more than 50% of its farming area certified to VietGAP or equivalent standards, with 90% of individual farmers joining production-consumption linkages. For seed production, over 75% of fry are expected to meet high-quality standards, while 60% of hatcheries will use genetically improved broodstock.
Environmental controls will be tightened, with 60% of farming areas required to have waste treatment systems and all water sources subject to quality monitoring.
Dong Thap accounts for over 33% of the Mekong Delta’s pangasius farming area and nearly 35% of its production, supplying around 60% of the region’s fry. The province produces 20 billion larvae and 1.3 billion fry annually.
Farm-gate prices stand at VND28,000 – 29,000 (USD 1.10 – 1.15) per kg, giving farmers profits of VND1,000 – 1,500 per kg amid strong export demand. Dong Thap exports to 134 countries and is also promoting domestic sales.
VFM
