Nghe An: In 2019, the value of aquaculture reached 3,200 billion VND.

On the morning of December 23rd, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development held a conference to summarize aquaculture activities in 2019 and to implement tasks and solutions for the 2020 plan in Nghe An province. Mr. Tran Huu Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, chaired the conference. Photo: Xuan Hoang

The total value of production for the entire industry is estimated at 3,200 billion VND.

According to the Fisheries Sub-Department's report, in 2019, the aquaculture area was estimated at 21,500 hectares, reaching 102.38% of the plan and 100.62% compared to the same period of the previous year. Of this, freshwater aquaculture accounted for 18,960 hectares, and brackish water aquaculture accounted for 2,540 hectares.

Aquaculture production is estimated at 55,325 tons, reaching 106.39% of the plan and 104.46% compared to the same period last year. Of this, freshwater aquaculture production reached 43,581 tons; brackish water aquaculture production reached 11,744 tons.

Shrimp seed production is estimated at 2,253 million units, reaching 161.93% of the plan. Production of various fish seeds is estimated at 774 million units, crab seed production at over 24 million units, and clam seed production at 2.5 billion units. The total production value of the entire industry is estimated at 3,200 billion VND, reaching 110.03% compared to the same period in 2018.

Fish farming in cages on the Hua Na hydroelectric reservoir (Que Phong). Photo: Xuan Hoang

Throughout the year, many households in the province raise specialty species such as snails, frogs, eels, turtles, and some specialty fish. Currently, the province has 858 fish cages on large water surfaces, an increase of 100 cages compared to 2019. 50% of the species raised in these cages are specialty fish: snakehead, catfish, crispy carp, and crispy grass carp.

At the conference, several individuals involved in aquaculture shared their experiences in raising golden apple snails and other specialty fish that yield high economic returns. They also noted that 2019 presented many challenges for the aquaculture sector due to weather conditions and diseases; farmed species, especially brackish water shrimp, experienced numerous outbreaks of disease. They requested that relevant authorities strengthen inspection and supervision of shrimp seed and feed businesses.

Continue to adhere to proper farming techniques and disease prevention procedures.

Mr. Tran Huu Tien, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that in 2019, white spot disease appeared and caused greater damage compared to the previous year. The reasons include complex weather patterns, some shrimp farmers not strictly adhering to disease reporting, outbreak control, and disinfection procedures before and after outbreaks, and some not following proper farming techniques. Furthermore, although shrimp production increased compared to the previous year, the selling price of commercial shrimp decreased, leading to a reduction in overall value.

Shrimp harvesting in Dien Trung commune (Dien Chau district). Photo: Xuan Hoang

Forecasts indicate complex weather patterns and potential outbreaks of diseases in aquaculture in 2020. Therefore, organizations and individuals trading in aquaculture supplies must strictly comply with state and local regulations. Based on demand for fry, production plans should be developed, prioritizing high-quality fry to serve aquaculture farmers in the province.

Comrade Tran Huu Tien - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, presents Certificates of Commendation to collectives and individuals. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Individuals and organizations engaged in aquaculture must comply with regulations and release fry according to the seasonal aquaculture schedule.

On this occasion, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development awarded Certificates of Commendation to one collective and five individuals for their outstanding achievements in aquaculture in 2019.

In 2020, the plan was for an aquaculture area of ​​21,380 hectares, including 18,960 hectares for freshwater farming and 2,420 hectares for brackish water farming. The target aquaculture production was 57,000 tons, including 44,500 tons of freshwater fish and 12,500 tons of brackish water fish. Production also included 2,250 million shrimp larvae and 735 million fish larvae of various species.