Vasep, 04/05/2016
Published on 05/05/2016
Aquaculture production in April 2016 was estimated at 232 thousand tons, a decrease of 2.4% compared to the same period of the previous year; however, the total aquaculture production in the first four months of the year still increased by 0.4% compared to the same period of the previous year, reaching 780 thousand tons.
Pangasius prices during the month showed an upward trend compared to the beginning of the year, currently fluctuating between VND 20,750–22,000 per kilogram; however, at this price level, small-scale farmers have not yet made a profit. Therefore, farmers continue to monitor market developments and have not rushed to stock, resulting in a tendency for pangasius farming areas to shrink. Pangasius harvest output in the first four months of 2016 in the Mekong Delta provinces was estimated at 281,500 tons, a decrease of 3% compared to the same period. Provinces with large farming areas and output recorded even sharper declines, specifically: Vinh Long 25,785 tons (-14%), Dong Thap 90,000 tons (-5%), and An Giang 65,485 tons (-16%).
Adverse weather conditions such as drought and salinity intrusion have significantly affected shrimp farming households. Many shrimp farming areas suffered losses due to disease outbreaks caused by excessively high salinity levels. The Sub-Departments of Aquaculture and the Fisheries Extension Centers of the provinces are closely monitoring weather developments and salinity levels in order to provide appropriate recommendations and stocking plans. Nevertheless, due to its stronger disease resistance and more stable market price compared to whiteleg shrimp, black tiger shrimp farming in the Mekong Delta provinces has continued to record relatively good growth.
The estimated area and production of brackish water shrimp in the first four months of 2016 were as follows: Black tiger shrimp: estimated area of 520,342 hectares, up 2%, with estimated production of 53,776 tons (+4%); Whiteleg shrimp: estimated area of 19,800 hectares (-8%), with estimated production of 30,604 tons (-5%).
