Nam Dinh province to supply 45,000 tons of clams annually

Active production of clam seeds in Nam Dinh province

Clam farming in Nam Dinh province began as spontaneous aquaculture activities using local seeds in 1992.The year 2004 marked a significant development in local clam farming activities with the introduction of the white clam, Mertrix lyrata.

Subsequently, the clam farming industry experienced rapid development starting in 2010. As a result, clams have become the province's main aquaculture subject, generating employment and income for numerous local workers.

According to Ms. Tong Thi Luong, Head of Aquaculture under Nam Dinh province's Sub-Department of Fisheries, the province boasts a 72-kilometer coastline with an abundant river system featuring three principal river mouths: Ninh Co, Hong, and Day rivers. These rivers contribute significantly to the annual deposition of silt, creating extensive sandbanks suitable for the development of clam farming and aquaculture as a whole.

Ms. Luong highlighted the province's robust system for the supply of aquaculture seeds, particularly clam seeds. Currently, nearly 90 seed production facilities in the province have empowered the locals with technology for the production and nurturing of clam seeds.

Nam Định has been established as the primary hub for clam seed production, catering not only to local needs but also to those of neighboring provinces, asserted Ms. Luong.

Potentials for investment attraction

The clam farming industry's potential for development in Nam Dinh province has attracted considerable interest from both domestic and international businesses. Namely, Lenger Seafoods Group from the Netherlands, a reputable seafood conglomerate in Europe, with over 90 years of experience in farming, harvesting, and processing various bivalve mollusks, made the decision to invest in constructing a clam processing plant equipped with modern processing technology in Nam Dinh city. The Nam Dinh Provincial People’s Committee granted the project Investment License No. 13/GP-ND on July 12, 2006, which aims to establish a new seafood industry in addition to shrimp and pangasius; i.e: farming, processing, and trading clam products.

Moreover, Lenger Vietnam has actively established partnerships with clam suppliers to ensure an adequate supply of quality raw materials for the processing plant. Notably, Lenger Vietnam established ASC partnerships with clam farmers in Nam Dinh Province in 2019.

In early 2020, the "Lenger Farm Aquaculture Cluster" in Nam Dien Commune, Nghia Hung District, which spans over 500 hectares, received the ASC-compliant sustainable clam farming certification. Consequently, "Lenger Farm" became the first clam farm to attain ASC certification for Meretrix lyrata clams domestically and globally. The ASC certification acts as an international recognition for sustainable aquaculture, food safety, and social responsibility.

The attainment of ASC certification for the clam farming areas in Nam Dinh province has demonstrated that Vietnam's clam farming, production, and processing standards and technologies are on par with many countries around the world. This crucial milestone is a prime opportunity to elevate the aquaculture sector, specifically the clam farming industry, to new heights.

Mr. Nguyen Ho Nguyen, General Director of Lenger Vietnam stated, "Lenger Vietnam is the largest exporter of Vietnamese clams to the European market, accounting for over 90% of the market share. Our primary products include frozen whole clams, vacuum-packed clams, and canned clam meat. Annually, Lenger Vietnam supplies more than 8,000 tons of frozen clams to the market, generating approximately 15 million USD in revenue. It is projected that by 2024, the annual export volume will reach 10,000 tons per year."

He further added, "Additionally, Lenger Vietnam's clam products are currently available in the majority of domestic supermarkets, clean food stores, and select restaurant chains. In 2022, Lenger Vietnam sold 1,500 tons of clam, generating 48 billion Vietnamese dong in revenue."

Ms. Tong Thi Luong, Head of Aquaculture under Nam Dinh province's Sub-Department of Fisheries, shared, "The total clam farming area in Nam Dinh province is currently estimated at approximately 2,300 hectares, with an annual supply of at least 45,000 tons."

On the other hand, the nationwide yield of mollusk farming products was estimated at over 300,000 tons in 2021. Most notably, the total clam farming area was estimated at approximately 15,720 hectares, with an estimated yield of 190,000 tons, resulting in a productivity of 11.82 tons per hectare.