HCM City eyes ornamental fish breeding

In the first nine months of this year, over 15 million fish were exported for US$17 million, up 14% and 15% year-on-year, respectively.

In the last quarter, the city plans to export five million fish for US$6 million.

Exports have risen sharply since 2015 when only 13 million fish were exported for US$12 million.

Last year, at US$18.2 million, they accounted for 13.2% of the city’s total agricultural exports.

The municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reported there are about 290 farms breeding ornamental fish on a total area of 88.9ha.

They raise 60 freshwater fishes, including 40 hybrid varieties.

Thoi Bao Kinh Te Việt Nam (Vietnam Economic Times) newspaper reported that 21 city companies export ornamental fish by air, the biggest being Sai Gon Ornamental Fish Joint Stock Company.

They export to 43 countries and territories, with the EU being the biggest market, buying slightly more than half of all exports.

To develop the industry, the city has undertaken many programmes, including setting up a model under which participating companies have to properly manage their breeding.

They have to comply with requirements for controlling risks, preventing fish from contracting diseases, reducing the impacts of climatic conditions, and improving their fish-raising skills.

Thanks to this, the breeders have been able to improve quality, raising the profile of the Vietnamese ornamental fish industry.

As of June, seven farms had joined the programme.

But the industry also faces certain challenges.

The fish bred in the city are small in size and most farms lack proper infrastructure and raise the fish using traditional techniques.

A lack of research activities means there are no unique products introduced to the market.