Ben Tre: Rising fish prices revitalize river cage farming
In recent months, the cage farming industry has bounced back as fish prices rebound following a prolonged slump.
Currently, red tilapia fetches between 52,000 and 55,000 VND per kilogram in Ben Tre, offering a profit margin of around 15,000 VND per kilogram—the highest in recent years. Other species, such as basa catfish, grass carp, and silver pomfret, have also seen a price increase of 5-10% compared to three months ago.
Farmers attribute these higher prices to a low harvest yield that has left demand outstripping supply. With encouraging profits, many farmers in Ben Tre are reinvesting in cage farming. However, the demand for fingerlings has risen, creating a supply shortage and driving up prices.
According to Ben Tre’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the province currently hosts approximately 70 river cage farming operations spanning 66,000 square meters, concentrated along the Tien River in Chau Thanh district.
Many farms manage dozens of cages, rearing a variety of fish alongside other species like frogs and catfish. Nguyen Van Muoi Hai, a river cage farmer in Phu Tuc commune, Chau Thanh district, has been dedicated to this model for over a decade. “Red tilapia is now selling for over 52,000 VND per kilogram, yielding a profit of around 15,000 VND per kilogram,” he shared.
VFM
