Mekong Delta localities discuss tra fish development

Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

An Giang (VNA) – A conference to launch a development plan for the tra fish sector was held in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang on February 18, attracting leaders of 10 regional cities and provinces that rely on tra fish farming. 

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Xuan Cuong said the sector will strive to yield 1.51 million tonnes of tra fish and earn nearly 2.4 billion USD from exports this year. 

He asked localities to tap into the advantages of tra fish breeding that is adaptable to the impacts of climate change and environmental protection. 

Businesses and local authorities were urged to closely manage tra fish breeding zones; encourage farmers to join the connectivity chain with other firms; and monitor traces of origin, food safety, and the quality of fries. 

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Tran Anh Thu said regional localities should form a close-contained cluster specialised in fry breeding and fillet processing for export, making it easier for consumers to trace the origin of products. 

Doan Toi, General Director of Nam Viet JSC, suggested that localities do not expand breeding areas to prevent an oversupply. Meanwhile, enterprises should improve their product quality, as well as expand and restore traditional markets in the European Union and South America, he said. 

Minister Cuong said the Mekong Delta raised about 5,400ha of tra fish for commercial use last year, up 3.25 percent annually. Over 3.8ha of which met VietGAP standards and more than 1.42 million tonnes were produced, up 13.6 percent. 

Tra fish prices averaged nearly 29,000 VND (1.26 USD) per kg last year – even reaching 35,000 VND-36,000 VND per kg in October, raising the total export revenue to 2.26 billion USD.