(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On May, 6th 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) issued Decision No. 1639/QD-BNN-TCTS on approving the development plan for tilapia farming by 2020, driven by 2030.

The purposes of the plan:

+ To develop the sector effectively and sustainably with diversified products to meet domestic consumption demand and exports;

+ Produce enough high-quality tilapia seeds for commercial products;

+ Control diseases in the production;

+ Create jobs and raise incomes for farmers.

According to the plan, by 2020, Vietnam expected to reach 33,000 hectares in the farming area of tilapia and 1.5 million cubic metres in farming cages in rivers and large reservoirs. Besides, tilapia ouput planned to hit 300,000 MT in which 50-60% of the total can meet standards for exports. The country expected to produce 100% of disease-free seeds for commercial products and create jobs for about 54,350 direct labours and 5,000 indirect labours.

By 2030, the country expected to reach 40,000 hectares in the farming area of tilapia and 1.8 million cubic metres in farming cages in rivers and large reservoirs. Besides, tilapia ouput planned to hit 400,000 MT; 45-50% of which will be exported. The country expected to produce 100% of disease-free seeds for commercial products and create jobs for about 67,500 direct labours and 8,000 indirect labours.

There will be three mainly farmed species, including Nile tilapia, hybrid tilapia (except for hybrid tilapia between Nile tilapia and blue tilapia) and red tilapia. In addition, exports will focus on product segments like frozen fillets and value-added products in major importing markets (the U.S, Africa, the Middle East and some potential markets).

Compiled by Dieu Thuy