Aquafeed value chain analysis and a review of regulatory framework of striped catfish farming in Viet Nam

This study presents Viet Nam's striped catfish (pangasius) aquafeed value chain and identifies constraints to feed supply and use. It maps the value chain, assesses its performance and looks at the roles of different actors and linkages. The pangasius production sub-sector is characterized by intensive pond production technology and high-quality production inputs. In 2014, annual production of pangasius was 1 143 797 tonnes. The pangasius production sector is centred on the ten provinces of the Mekong Delta. The value chain analysis revealed that in 2014, there were 109 hatcheries in operation producing 23.6 billion larvae per annum. The publication sets out some recommendations, including the need for a policy that provides incentives on the development and commercialisation of new aquafeed, and the search for, development of, and commercial production of local ingredients for aquafeed, as well as new and more efficient feed formulations. It further calls for measures to strengthen the capacity of both regulators and the regulated, as well as science and technology support services.