Updated  
July, 02 2012 14:25:00

Tra fish farmers selling at a loss

CAN THO – Farmers in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta River provinces have exported 287,000 tonnes of tra fish worth US$862 million since early this year, equivalent in volume to the amount of fish exported in 2011, but profits have been hit by falling prices.

The regional Steering Committee for Tra Fish Production and Consumption said the fish price had fallen by US$0.1-0.2 per kg in comparison with 2011.

Last April, tra catfish were fetching VND27,000-VND28,000 per kilo. Farmers are now selling their fish for VND19,500-VND20,000 per kilo. Meanwhile, the cost price of producing tra for export is estimated at VND23,000 to VND25,000 per kilo.

Deputy Chairman of Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers Duong Ngoc Minh blamed falling prices on tightened bank lending and high interest rates, which have forced farmers to sell at a loss.

The Delta region has nearly 3,900 ha of tra fish farms, a reduction of about 20 per cent compared with the same period last year, causing many tra fish processing factories to cut production.

The committee said Delta provinces would help to alleviate the financial difficulties incurred by fish farmers. Meanwhile, supervision would be stepped up to ensure quality, prevent disease and reduce environmental pollution, he said.

The region's main export markets are Europe, Southeast Asia and the US. Exports meanwhile to eastern Europe and Mediterranean countries have been expanding. – VNS

Send Us Your Comments:
Name:
Your E-mail address:
Title:
 

VietNamNews may edit your comments and not all emails will be published.

SEE ALSO

Hightlight

Disabled speaker inspires audience Disabled speaker inspires audience

More than 2,500 people attended a talk by Nick Vujicic, an inspirational speaker without arms and legs, at the White Palace Conference Centre in HCM City's Tan Binh District yesterday.

Crane accident leads to major power cut Crane accident leads to major power cut

A two-hour power failure caused by an incident on the 500kV north-south transmission line hindered road traffic in many southern provinces and HCM City yesterday afternoon.

Spread of hand-foot-mouth disease concerns hospitals Spread of hand-foot-mouth disease concerns hospitals

Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (HFMD) is now at its peak, having infected a total of 796 children in HCM City in April, an increase of 127 per cent against the same period last year.

US steel producers make dumping claim US steel producers make dumping claim

After welded steel pipes and steel wire garment hangers, now welded stainless pressure pipe from Viet Nam continue to face charges of dumping in the US.