Boosting land-use efficiency through multi-story pig farm model

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien and the Vietnamese delegation recently conducted a working visit to China, during which they toured and learned from the high-tech pig farming model at Muyuan Group.

Muyuan Group is among the world's leading companies in modern, circular pig farming. This visit was an opportunity for Vietnam's livestock industry to directly experience the most advanced technologies and establish meaningful cooperation with strategic regional partners, especially as the sector undergoes a significant transformation phase.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien highlighted the remarkable progress Vietnam’s livestock industry has made over the past 15 years. Transforming from a small-scale farming base, Vietnam has now become the fifth-largest country globally by pig herd size, sixth in pork production, and fourth in pork consumption. From 2020 to 2024, livestock farming was the fastest-growing and most stable agricultural sector, contributing nearly 30% of agriculture's GDP and 5% of national GDP.

Achievements such as successfully developing the world's first African swine fever vaccine, and establishing the integrated "A-Z Food" supply chain through multi-story farming models, underscore substantial scientific and technological advancements in the sector.

During the field visit, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien and the delegation gained comprehensive insights into Muyuan Group's multi-story pig farming model, which integrates automated management systems, advanced environmental treatment technologies, rigorous disease control protocols, and robust digital transformation applications. Although requiring 1.5 to 1.8 times the investment of traditional farming, this model demonstrates exceptional effectiveness by increasing land-use efficiency from 4 to 10 times, enhancing disease control, and meeting high animal welfare standards.

In Vietnam, multi-story pig farming began emerging in 2016 and is now expanding rapidly. The promulgation of national standard TCVN 14209:2024 regarding multi-story pig farms has provided a legal framework enabling major corporations such as BAF Vietnam and Xuan Thien to confidently implement large-scale projects. However, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized the critical need for strict management of zoning, design, and operations to effectively control disease risks, environmental pollution, livestock density, and ensure animal welfare in implementing this model

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien called upon Vietnamese businesses not merely to observe, but actively exchange knowledge, seek cooperation opportunities, and facilitate technology transfer from advanced models such as Muyuan’s.

Addressing Chinese counterparts, Deputy Minister Tien proposed three strategic orientations for developing a modern livestock industry. First, investing in research for low-emission, high-biosecurity multi-story pig farming models. Second, utilizing genetic technologies, vaccines, and probiotics to minimize antibiotic dependency. Third, accelerating digital transformation of production chains by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and big data into livestock management practices.

All these initiatives aim toward achieving emission neutrality by 2035, aligning with Vietnam's commitments at COP26.

Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien expressed confidence that with cooperation from partners such as Muyuan, proactive engagement by enterprises, and determination from regulatory authorities, Vietnam’s livestock industry will achieve remarkable advances in productivity, quality, and sustainability.