HÀ NỘI — Around VNĐ164.8 billion (US$7.16 million) will be earmarked for technology transfer in the fisheries sector during the 2017-20 period to help in its restructuring.

Of this, VNĐ81.3 billion will come from the State budget while the remaining will come from other sources, under a scheme recently approved by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD).

The scheme aims to promote the transfer of technology and its application in aquaculture, fishing and fish preservation on vessels in order to improve the output and quality of seafood.

Specifically, it will bring together resources from individuals and organisations to develop a science-technology market that will facilitate the transfer of scientific and technological advances. At least 12 technological advances will be applied across the fisheries sector to raise fishing efficiency by 25 per cent and to reduce post-harvest loss by 20 per cent; as well as improve output and the quality of farmed tra fish, shrimp in brackish water, mollusc, tilapia and lobster.

Around 40 demonstration models of various applications will be set up at cooperatives, while 1,500 individuals and organisations will receive technical training so that they can adopt the technology.

Regions have been asked to draw up their own technology transfer and application plans.

Resources will be mobilised through scientific research programmes and schemes on fisheries encouragement and new rural development under the MARD. The ministry will sign contracts with research establishments on developing desired technological products, review effective production models and rearrange production in the fisheries sector. — VNS