Restructuring seed production to enhance the competitiveness of the aquaculture industry

At a meeting held on March 25, 2026, chaired by Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phùng Đức Tiến, specialized agencies in the fisheries sector discussed the development of three key programs in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation in aquaculture. These are identified as strategic pillars to enhance productivity, quality, and competitiveness amid increasing volatility in international markets.

THREE PILLAR PROGRAMS FOR A NEW PHASE

According to the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, aquaculture production in 2025 is estimated to reach 6 million tons, up nearly 4% compared to the previous year. Total seed production reached approximately 392.5 billion units, contributing to export turnover exceeding USD 11 billion.

Notably, over the past decade, the government has invested nearly VND 900 billion in 271 science and technology projects in the fisheries sector. These studies have focused on breeding fast-growing, disease-resistant strains, thereby gradually improving seed quality.

Key achievements include the G5 generation pangasius with a growth rate 15.4% higher than the previous generation, as well as studies identifying molecular markers associated with resistance to major diseases. In brackish water shrimp, Vietnam has mastered the production technology of G7 black tiger shrimp and G8–G9 whiteleg shrimp, with high reproductive performance.

  

 

Deputy Minister Phùng Đức Tiến chaired the meeting.

In addition, domestic research institutes have successfully produced seed for 23 high-value marine fish species, while supplying millions of high-quality mollusk seed. For cold-water fish, seed production reached approximately 6 million units in 2025, meeting over 40% of domestic demand.

Howeer, these results are still insufficient to create a breakthrough. The industry continues to rely heavily on imported seed, particularly for high-value species, highlighting a significant gap between potential and actual development.

In response, the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, in coordination with the Vietnam Fisheries Science Institute, proposed three major programs: shrimp seed development; marine aquaculture development (fish, mollusks, seaweed, algae); and inland aquaculture development.

These programs aim not only to increase productivity but also to generate added value and better meet international market requirements. Seed production is identified as the key factor determining efficiency and sustainability.

According to Mr. Nguyễn Quang Hùng, Deputy Director General, science and technology tasks must be built on comprehensive domestic and international assessments to ensure relevance and integration. For new species, it is necessary to clearly identify potential and market demand, while for traditional species, breakthroughs in technology or added value must be achieved.

From a management perspective, Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Ninh, Deputy Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, stated that current mechanisms have expanded opportunities for enterprises to participate in scientific research. Allowing enterprises to own research results when leading projects is expected to drive public–private partnerships in innovation.

MAJOR TARGETS FOR 2026

The fisheries sector aims to produce between 390 and 410 billion seed units in 2026. To achieve this, a key direction is the strong development of domestic broodstock breeding facilities, targeting 50,000–60,000 black tiger shrimp broodstock and 150,000–200,000 whiteleg shrimp.

At the same time, the sector will accelerate infrastructure modernization in concentrated production areas, applying recirculating filtration systems and automated environmental monitoring sensors. Digital transformation is also identified as a critical solution, including the development of a national database on aquaculture seed and feed, as well as electronic traceability systems to ensure transparency across the supply chain.

  

 

Importantly, meeting participants emphasized that reducing production costs is a crucial factor for competitiveness. For example, key export products such as tilapia still have higher production costs compared to international competitors. This is mainly due to feed costs, inconsistent seed quality, and suboptimal farming processes. Proposed solutions include improving nutrition, enhancing seed quality, and reducing feed conversion ratios through technology adoption.

In addition, species selection must align with market demand. For marine aquaculture, development strategies must be linked to clear commercial plans to avoid production without market outlets.

In concluding the meeting, Deputy Minister Phùng Đức Tiến stressed the need to clearly define viewpoints, objectives, and roadmaps for each program. Enterprises are identified as the central players in innovation, directly applying technology and creating added value.

According to the Deputy Minister, policies should continue to be improved to facilitate enterprise access to technology, participation in research, and utilization of scientific outcomes. Programs should focus on key species such as shrimp and fish, as well as those with clear market potential, rather than spreading resources too thinly.

A notable point is that the approach must be comprehensive, ensuring linkages between aquaculture, capture fisheries, and processing. Identifying priorities will help avoid resource fragmentation, improve investment efficiency, and lay the foundation for sustainable development.

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