Dong Thap: Restructuring the pangasius sector

Pangasius is considered a key product of Vietnam. Many provinces and cities in the country, especially those in the Mekong Delta such as Dong Thap, An Giang, Can Tho, and Vinh Long, have favorable natural conditions for pangasius farming. These provinces have a combined farming area of about 5,000–6,000 hectares, with an average annual output of 1.6–1.8 million tons.

In the first half of 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius production reached an estimated 871,900 tons, up 4.5% year-on-year. Export turnover reached USD 1.023 billion, up 11%. Dong Thap alone accounted for about 35% of the nation’s total production and export value.

Thanks to the application of advanced technologies and compliance with quality standards such as ASC, GlobalGAP, and BAP, Dong Thap pangasius continues to penetrate major markets including China, the U.S., and the EU.

In 2025, Dong Thap has set a target of developing a sustainable, modern pangasius sector with significant progress in science, technology, and clean production. The province plans to expand farming area to 2,640 hectares (an increase of 190 ha), with an output of 555,000 tons and a production value of VND 9,046.5 billion. The province’s pangasius export value is expected to exceed USD 980 million.

Key goals include improving product quality, ensuring that 100% of pangasius farms are digitally coded with identification numbers, 100% of commercial pangasius farms are certified for food safety production, and 50% of farming areas apply Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). In addition, the province aims to enhance fingerling quality, with more than 75% of pangasius seed used for commercial farming being high-quality stock.

Mr. Huynh Tat Dat, Deputy Director of Dong Thap’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, stated:
“The province is restructuring the pangasius sector, focusing on water environment monitoring, digital transformation in management and operation such as zoning management, identification coding, production information, market access, and aquaculture environments adapted to climate change and sustainable development. At the same time, the province continues implementing the project on linking three-tier high-quality pangasius seed production, encouraging small-scale hatcheries and commercial farms to join together in clubs, cooperatives, and associations to create larger volumes of product with uniform quality.”

According to the Vietnam Pangasius Association, Dong Thap should further focus on solutions to enhance the value of the pangasius industry. Local seafood processors and exporters need to conduct in-depth market research to produce products tailored to each region. Farmers must adopt new farming practices, improve breeding, lower stocking densities, and prevent diseases to ensure faster growth, reduced costs, and stronger competitiveness. In addition, science and technology application should be expanded to modernize production processes and integrate advanced technologies into farming and processing.

Source:  https://seafood.vasep.com.vn/