July 10, 2007

Vietnam hog farmers step up pork quality

A group of hog farmers in Ho Chi Minh City have decided to establish an association to improve pig management production.

The owners of eight pig farms from Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, have set up the Tien Phong co-operative or Pig Breeders Association to prevent hog foot-and-mouth disease which impacts consumer health.

Nguyen Huu Chi, the owner of a pig farm at An Hoa hamlet, An Phu Commune, Cu Chi District led the association with fifty participating households owning an average of 100 to 200 pigs in Cu Chi.

Through the association, the farmers will have a chance to meet scientists and learn about advanced pig farming techniques.

Scientists from the Southern Agricultural Science Institute (SASI) have agreed to coordinate with the Cu Chi farmers to improve pork production.

Through the cooperative, eight households signed a two-year contract with SASI. SASI will send scientists to each farm where they will help owners to repair cages, access technology and provide a free constancy service.

The project is also funded by Ho Chi Minh City's Science and Technology Department.