November 21, 2005

Vietnam turns to fisheries sector on bird flu concerns

Vietnam's Minister of Fisheries Ta Quang Ngoc said the country's fisheries sector would help meet consumer demand, due to an expected food shortage in light of bird flu outbreaks around the country. The majority of Vietnam's population consumed poultry.

Ta added that the government was seeking ways to raise the output of various aquaculture products to meet market demand. Some frog breeders in Quang Ngai province have increased production, raising frogs weighing about 0.3 kilograms each in about two to three months, Ta said.

The government also planned to build an aquaculture extension model for households involved in the sector, supply breeds and find markets for their produce, according to Ta.

Ta said Vietnam's fisheries sector was on a large scale in rural areas and that would help meet rising food demand.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has recently received EU orders for aquaculture products, especially shrimp. But Ta said the country was unable to fully meet the demand due to the seasonal nature of production. Thus, he stated the need to forecast demand better. 

Regarding food safety standards, Ta said awareness level was low and there was a shortage of advanced technology to help achieve required standards.

Besides watch agencies to ensure businesses complied with food safety regulations, the prime minister has also issued a decree on food safety. Ta cited the need for various government ministries to cooperate in ensuring safety standards, especially the health, agriculture and rural development, and fisheries ministries.