The tra fish (pangasius) industry in Vietnam is making a major shift towards sustainability as it looks to expand into demanding markets, including Islamic countries with a population of over 2 billion. This is also a central part of the sector’s strategy in the near future.
In line with current trends, tra fish processors and farmers are emphasizing sustainable production and greening their products to boost the brand value and maintain the century-long legacy of Vietnamese tra fish.
Seafood feed processing firm’s pioneering moves
Seafood feed processing companies are key players in the success of the entire supply chain as they provide feed for fry, fingerlings, farmed fish, and broodstock. By adopting sustainable practices, they are leading the way for Vietnam’s seafood industry on its green journey towards creating sustainable values.
Tran Van Ben from Thanh Binh District, Dong Thap Province, said, “Fish are just like humans. At different stages of their growth, farmers need to adjust the protein levels in their feed. Following advice from the seafood feed manufacturer, I started using SMT24 for mature fish. This helps the fish grow steadily with firm, white flesh and low fat, while preventing excess feed from creating sludge at the bottom of the pond. This reduces the risk of disease and harmful gases. It also helps farmers save a lot of money and increase their profits.”
Seafood feed makes up 70-75% of the value chain, leading to huge investment costs. The expert said that using new technologies in farming can reduce CO2 emissions by more than 800 tons per hectare of tra fish each year. Additionally, modern farming methods can increase fish survival rates, improving production efficiency.
At the Vietnam Tra Fish Festival in Dong Thap, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien urged localities to leverage technology for tra fish large-scale production, ensure biosecurity, and strictly control antibiotic use in farming. The alignment of all key sectors will help transform Vietnam’s tra fish industry, moving towards a greener seafood sector in line with global trends. He also emphasized that green growth is the future, and industries that lead the way will gain a competitive advantage. The tra fish sector must embrace sustainable practices to grow further.
