Ensure stable output thanks to aquaculture production chain

Yen Bai is a mountainous province in the north, situated in the middle of the Northeast and Northwest, and its natural area exceeds 688,600 hectares. The province possesses a 23,000-hectare expanse of aquaculture water surface potential. The area is predominantly composed of valleys nested between mountain ranges and low hills, which has resulted in a network of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and fields that are rich and favorable for the development of various aquaculture practices, including cage culture, small-pond fish farming, cold-water fish farming (such as sturgeon and salmon), pangasius farming, and more.

The total aquaculture and exploitation area in 2022 amounted to 22,390 hectares, yielding an approximate production of 13,751 tons - a 7% growth in comparison to the preceding year, 2021. It was anticipated that the annual value of aquaculture products was approximately 370 billion VND. At present, there are 2,645 fish enclosures in the province. Aquaculture and exploitation occupied a combined area of approximately 25,000 hectares during the initial nine months of 2023. The yield of aquaculture products amounted to approximately 9,000 tons, and the estimated worth of aquaculture output surpassed 250 billion VND.

By 2025, the province of Yen Bai intends to have the following: an aquaculture and exploitation area of approximately 22,500 hectares, a consistent number of fish cages ranging from 2,500 to 3,000, and a total production of over 15,000 tons from aquaculture and natural exploitation, of which 13,500 tons will be produced and 1,500 tons will be produced. With a target of over 485 billion VND by 2025, the average annual increase in the value of aquaculture production should be between 7 and 9 percent. Approximately 4.5% of the total value of agricultural, forestry, and aquaculture output is attributed to the aquaculture industry.

Establishing a production, processing, and distribution supply chain is a priority for the province in order to guarantee steady sales for more than forty percent of the harvest. They will further assist cooperative associations and businesses in the Yen Binh district in the construction of aquaculture processing facilities. This will improve the connection between purchasing and processing of raw materials for both domestic and export markets, and will also contribute to the development of ecotourism in the area surrounding Thac Ba Lake.

In order to accomplish these objectives, the province of Yen Bai is presently providing guidance to the aquaculture industry on the importance of promoting controlled inputs and diligent oversight of seed and feed usage. This is done to guarantee high-quality products, enhance economic efficiency, and mitigate risks for both producers and consumers. Additionally, they are promoting the growth of effective aquaculture models, with a particular focus on distinctive aquatic products, in order to increase revenue from water surface area, diversify products, and generate employment opportunities locally.

Deputy Head of the Provincial Fisheries Department of Yen Bai, Mr. Hoang Ngoc Dai, stated, "We will further enhance the oversight of seed production facilities in the near future to ensure that all seeds utilized for production within the province comply with technical standards and possess a transparent source of origin, all while adhering to the prescribed production conditions and sources of origin as mandated by regulation."

Promote the cultivation of distinctive and specialized products that capitalize on local advantages. For instance, in the highland communes of Mu Cang Chai, Tram Tau, Van Chan, Van Yen, Tran Yen, Yen Binh, and Luc Yen, establish cold-water fish farms to rear sturgeon and salmon; in the outlying communes of Van Chan, rear Bangana lemassoni; and in the expansive ponds throughout the province, develop and preserve local specialty fish species such as Bangana lemassoni, Semilabeo notabilis, devil catfish, and Asian bagrid catfish, among others.

Furthermore, advocates for the implementation of scientific and technological advancements in production, encompassing aquaculture, breeding, preservation, processing, administration, exploitation, and protection of aquatic resources. Promote the advancement of aquafeed manufacturing processes (both industrial and custom) that are tailored to specific target groups, conditions, and methods, with the ultimate aim of diminishing dependence on fishmeal. Enhance the utilization of locally accessible raw materials to decrease production expenses, decrease reliance on imported raw materials, and safeguard the environment.

Director of the Yen Bai Province Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Dinh Dang Luan, stated, "Yen Bai Province has a well-defined trajectory for the advancement of aquaculture, placing significant emphasis on value chain aquaculture within product-oriented domains and critical sectors." With an emphasis on cage culture on Thac Ba Lake, gradually implement high-tech production linked to domestic and export markets, concentrating efforts in the districts of Tran Yen, Luc Yen, and Yen Binh. Priority is given to identifying product markets and fostering trade in order to construct supply channels.