VIET NAM - Viet Nam targeted shrimp and catfish as two key seafood export products in 2017, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on Monday.
Accordingly, the country will maintain its shrimp production area of 700,000-800,000 hectares, with a focus on intensive and extensive farming, reported local Tien Phong (Pioneer) online newspaper.
Nearly 44,000 tons of shrimp were produced in the first two months of 2017, up some 24 per cent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, for catfish production, Viet Nam will prioritise ensuring seed quality and quantity. It is forecast that this year, catfish will enjoy high stable price.
The country's catfish exports are found to be hard in the US, and European Union markets, but is seeing bigger orders from China, said the ministry.
Official statistics showed that Viet Nam's total catfish growing area hit over 2,150 hectares, down 11 per cent year-on-year. A total of 180,000 tons of catfish were produced during
A total of 180,000 tons of catfish were produced during two-month period, down 1.2 per cent year-on-year.
According to MARD, Viet Nam's exports of fishery products reach US$844 million, down 3.1 per cent year-on-year from January to February.
(The Fish Site)
