Pig herds should not be increased massively.

This is the recommendation of the Department of Animal Husbandry (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) in response to the possibility that pig farms will massively restock their herds as pork prices have increased in recent days.

After a long time, pork prices have plummeted, causing great damage to the livestock industry and especially farmers. In the past few days, pork prices in some localities across the country have suddenly increased sharply, from 25,000 VND/kg to 38,000 - 40,000 VND/kg, even up to 45,000 VND/kg in some places. With such prices, farmers have made a profit, but there is currently a situation where some farms refuse to sell pigs but "hoard" goods, waiting for prices to go up further before selling.

According to the analysis of Mr. Hoang Thanh Van - Director of the Department of Animal Husbandry, the reason for the sharp increase in pork prices is that the number of pigs sold in the recent period has been relatively large, so the pig herd has decreased significantly. According to preliminary statistics from localities, in the first 6 months of the year, the total pig herd in the country has decreased by 1.2 million; including sows and pigs. Thus, the total pig herd in the country is currently about 27.2 million, enough for domestic consumption. Therefore, with a price of 38,000 - 40,000 VND/kg, it is normal as every year.

In addition, market management, veterinary control, and rearrangement of the pork market are also better than before. According to the Department's calculations, the country consumes about 300,000 tons per month. Thus, with the current quantity, it is just enough for consumption.

After a long period of plummeting pork prices, causing great damage to the livestock industry and especially farmers. In the past few days, pork prices in some localities across the country have suddenly increased sharply, from 25,000 VND/kg to 38,000 - 40,000 VND/kg, in some places up to 45,000 VND/kg.

Regarding the expectation that pork prices will continue to increase, Mr. Van said that with prices reaching up to 45,000 VND/kg in some places, this price is high. If prices continue to increase, there will definitely be a problem. Therefore, farmers need to be vigilant about the phenomenon of abnormally high prices. In some places where there is a local shortage of supply, prices will be pushed up. If we just look at that and massively increase the herd, we will fall into a situation of oversupply like recently.

“The Department of Livestock Production recommends that farmers stay calm in the face of the price storm, and on that basis, maintain a reasonable herd and base it on the production area. Because all provinces currently have livestock associations, through which they know how much is consumed in the market to regulate. Farmers should not expect too much that pork prices will go up again,” Mr. Van advised.

According to the forecast of the Department of Animal Husbandry, from now until Lunar New Year, the supply of pork to the market is not lacking, and is stable at 280,000 - 300,000 tons/month, enough for domestic consumption.

In addition, the current pig herd has been selected, so the quality of the piglets is better. Currently, many businesses and farm owners are exploiting sows with better quality than before.

In the coming time, the Department of Animal Husbandry will provide information based on the whole country, from which farmers will know and decide to invest. Absolutely do not listen to rumors, raise pigs by word of mouth without basis. Besides, farmers need to upgrade the quality of breeding pigs, to reduce the cost of raising pigs, ensuring profitable raising pigs.

For households, farms and businesses with pigs of slaughter age, they should sell them to the market to create balance in the market, avoid imbalance in supply and demand, avoid local shortages or fake scarcity, push up prices, and disadvantages for consumers.

In addition, localities need to inform businesses and breeders that expanding or increasing herd size must be done with extreme caution, and must be based on the production area of ​​each locality.

According to Chinhphu.vn