Shrimp sector eyes the export target of US$ 4 billion in 2022

Overcome many difficulties in 2021, shrimp sector has set solutions to go forwards to reach the export target of US$ 4 billion in value in 2022.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) recently held the online conference "Solutions to develop shrimp farming in the last months of 2021 and 2022" to offer solutions to overcome difficulties and increase value for the shrimp sector in the coming time.

Deputy Minister of MARD Phung Duc Tien chaired the conference with the participation of the General Department of Fisheries, Department of Animal Health, Department of Agricultural Product Processing and Market Development and many agencies, localities, associations and businesses in the shrimp sector.

Overcoming difficulties

Overcome many difficulties in 2021, shrimp sector has set solutions to go forwards to reach the export target of US$ 4 billion in value in 2022.

(Statistics of General Department of Fisheries)

According to the General Department of Fisheries, shrimp production volume in 11 months of 2021 reached 902,7000 tons, up 1.9% over the same period in 2020. Estimated shrimp production in 2021 will reach 970,000 tons, up 4.3% compared to the same period in 2020.

Meanwhile, the shrimp sector is facing many challenges, such as the source of shrimp seed, high production costs, unsecured infrastructure, inappropriate technology or slow implementation of the code of farming facilities.

Besides, there are still some difficulties, such as changes in quarantine regulations in export markets and the complicated situation of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tran Cong Khoi, Deputy Director of the Aquaculture Department (General Department of Fisheries), said that although facing many difficulties and challenges due to the heavy impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the area of brackish water shrimp farming is estimated at 740 thousand hectares, an increase of 0.5% compared to 2020; in which, there are 630 thousand hectares of black tiger shrimp, and 110 thousand hectares of whiteleg shrimp.

Estimated shrimp production volume in 2021 will reach 970 thousand tons, up 4.3% compared to 2020; in which, black tiger shrimp is at 277.5 thousand tons, whiteleg shrimp is at 642.5 thousand tons, the rest is other shrimps. Shrimp export turnover in 10 months of 2021 reached US$ 3.2 billion, up 2% over the same period in 2020.

Soc Trang is a province that has a strong position in shrimp farming. Vuong Quoc Nam, Vice Chairman of Soc Trang provincial People's Committee says, in general, the province's shrimp farming season in 2021 has been basically successful in terms of area and output, the damage rate is only at about 6%. The province raised 53,000 hectares for the whole year, exceeds 3.92% as planned, up 2.49% over the same period last year. Estimated shrimp production volume by the end of the year will reach over 183,000 tons, 6.5% higher than planned and 17.8% higher than the same period last year.

"This is a positive signal and has brought about good results in producing and preventing diseases. Moreover, the farming has been conducted by farmers according to the rolling model, applies the advanced techniques, focuses on technology, improves productivity and food safety, and contributes to limiting damage caused by weather and pandemic,"said Vuong Quoc Nam.

According to Vuong Quoc Nam, in 2022, when the province's shrimp farming area does not increase, it is required to increase intensive farming to increase productivity. Along with that, it is a must in controlling the quality of inputs of the farming areas: seeds, materials, organizing production with technology application, managing the farming environment...

Solutions for 2022

Deputy Minister of MARD Phung Duc Tien assessed that 2021 is a particularly difficult year when the agricultural sector has to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and other changes in weather, climate and diseases.

“Despite such difficult circumstances, we reacted quickly and effectively, creating a relatively spectacular breakthrough. The output of the shrimp farming sector is expected to reach 970,000 tons, equivalent to a farming area of 740,000 hectares," said Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien also said that the shrimp sector's export turnover this year will reach about US$ 3.8 billion, up about 2.7% compared to 2020. In addition to efforts to overcome difficulties, this export turnover can also be achieved due to the advantages of the market and the high price of shrimp in the world.

Regarding the shrimp export target of US$ 3.9 - 4 billion in 2022, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien requested agencies to coordinate with localities to effectively implement the provisions of the 2017 Fisheries Law.

"It is necessary to focus on managing shrimp seed, feed, and environmental treatment products as well as replicating and encouraging effective production models. In addition, the sector should promote digital management, develop codes of farming areas and push for the traceability.

The Department of Agricultural Product Processing and Market Development needs to actively assess the market and propose timely solutions so that people can have appropriate production plans," said Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien.

In the trend of digital transformation, Vo Quang Huy, Director of Huy Long An Co., Ltd. suggested the research institutes and the General Department of Fisheries collaborate in developing management software for shrimp farming techniques. Results will help professional agencies finding out technical solutions for effective shrimp farming and farmers being able to apply these solutions.

There are opinions that it is necessary to strengthen the application of new science and technology to improve productivity, product quality and production efficiency, in order to meet the needs of domestic and international markets.

In addition, specialized agencies need to guide farmers on advanced, appropriate and effective techniques, science and technology; develop stages in the shrimp production chain in terms of high technology to reduce direct labor and limit the spread of diseases.