April 23, 2008

Vietnam to allocate VND850 billion on aquaculture biotechnology

Vietnam's government said it would allocate VND850 billion (US$52.7 million) for an aquaculture biotechnology project to boost the fisheries sector.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said Tuesday at a conference in Hanoi that the project will begin immediately and will run until 2020.

The project aims to create a breakthrough in aquaculture development and post-harvest technology to improve product quality and output in Vietnam. 

The ministry said that its key objectives are to focus on preserving and developing gene sources while developing new varieties of aquatic products.

Furthermore, it will support research on feed, disease prevention and treatment, and the management of aquaculture environments.

Long-term plans also include control of processed product quality, development of an aquatic biotechnological industry, improving human resources and equipment, and promoting international cooperation.

Delegates in the conference pointed out that some of the major concerns in the industry right now are application of biotechnology, under funding and a shortage of skilled staff.