March 12, 2008

 

Vietnam's animal breeding sector growing but economies of scale needed

 

 

Vietnam would have to adopt better technology and consolidation of its agricultural industry if it is to achieve economies of scale, according to an official with the country's Animal Husbandry Department.

 

Vietnam's animal breeding industry has enjoyed rapid growth in recent years: over the last five years, the country's pork production grew by 9.2 percent, with egg production growing 8.9 percent and milk 27 percent, Dr. Hoang Kim Giao, director of the Animal Husbandry Department told Vietnam news.

 

At the same time, the number of breeding farms using advanced farming methods multiplied while the quality of hybrids and breeding techniques improved significantly, he noted.

 

In fact, processing of animal feed with advanced technology has become more widespread, helping the country achieve industrial feed usage of 42 percent in 2006, he said.

 

The animal husbandry sector aims to account for a 42-percent share of overall agricultural production by 2010.

To reach the goal, the sector would have to achieve an annual growth rate of 8-9 percent from now till 2010, he

pointed out.

 

If the country reaches that goal, the sector would be producing 3.2 million tonnes of meat of various kinds, 380,000 tonnes of fresh milk and 7 billion eggs a year in 2010.

 

Giao, however, conceded that the industry faced problems, one of which was small-scale production.

 

Currently, more than 80 percent of Vietnam's pig and chicken populations are raised in backyard farms.

 

This meant obsolete breeding technology and ineffective management systems which led to high production costs, poor quality and questionable hygiene, he pointed out.

 

The industry would need to adopt industrial methods by building large-scale farms with modern farming technology, which would protect livestock from diseases and ensure food safety and environmental protection, he said.

 

The industry should also foster more cooperation between companies and farmers to develop distribution systems and stabilise market prices, Giao said.

 

Farmers would be encouraged to use industrially processed feed and provided with knowledge on controlling animal epidemics.

 

Farms with waste treatment systems would rise from the targeted 45 percent of all farms to 70 percent by 2015, he said. 

 

The industry also plans to build large-scale commercial breeding areas in areas such as the northern Midland area, Central Highlands, and several northern and southeastern provinces, he told Vietnam News.