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Black tiger prawn is the main species
produced. (Photo:P.Aleksenko) |
The
Ministry of Fisheries (MOF) has announced an investment of VND
8.5 billion (USD 566,666) in developing aquaculture concerns in 13
northern mountainous regions that will ultimately benefit local
families.
A total of VND 5 billion (USD
333,333) will be spent on building infrastructure and a further VND
3.5 billion (USD 233,333) on purchasing stocks.
To date, the majority of aquacultural
concerns have been concentrated along the country’s coastline where
black tiger prawn is the main species produced. |
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Recently, the MOF announced that
hectarage for coastal shrimp and finfish farms would increase by
2005 to 800,000 hectares (see
FIS World News, 10 January 2002).
In the northern region, poor families
will be able to receive bank loans to establish farms without having
to mortgage any of their assets. The new programme also gives
preferential treatment to people that live in remote areas.
Unproductive rice paddies will be turned into shrimp and catfish
ponds, reports Econet.
Fish raising already accounts for
49,033 hectares in the region, or 38.9 per cent of the already
existing water resources suitable for aquaculture development.
Currently, output is 23,934 tons per annum, but this figure is set
to rise over the next few years. |
