LIVESTOCK SECTOR AIMS FOR 5% GROWTH IN 2024

The Department of Livestock Production has set its sights on achieving a 4-5% increase in production value next year, contributing to around 28-30% of the nation’s overall agricultural output.

This target was discussed at a conference held in Hanoi on December 19. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien outlined specific objectives for various livestock products in 2024.

These include a 3.8% increase in the production of all types of fresh meat, amounting to 7.89 million tons, a 4.0% rise in pork production to reach 4.87 million tons, a 3.1% uptick in poultry meat output at 2.31 million tons, a 3.7% boost in egg production, totaling 19.68 billion eggs, and a 6.7% surge in milk production, reaching 1.28 million tons.

Tien emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts within the sector to attain these goals. The department will continue to implement industry restructuring in line with the 2021-2030 Livestock Development Strategy.

Despite facing challenges such as fluctuating feed prices, unstable livestock selling prices, and competitive pressures from imports, Vietnam’s livestock industry remains resilient. Effective disease control measures have been implemented, and while consumer demand has slightly decreased due to inflation, the sector has maintained stability.

Pham Kim Dang, deputy director of the department, said pig farming is showing positive results, but challenges persist, including low pork prices, high biosecurity costs, and fluctuating feed prices. Cattle farming remains stable, with minor fluctuations in herd sizes.

Data from the department showed that the national pig population is expected to increase by 4.2% to 30.3 million, while the cattle population may expand by 2.6% to 558.6 million. This year, overall meat production is anticipated to increase by 3.5%.

Nonetheless, challenges still exist within Vietnam’s livestock industry, encompassing issues related to product traceability, supply chain organization, and biosecurity. The sector is gearing up for future collaborations with veterinary agencies to tackle diseases and enhance global monitoring of feed prices, ensuring sustainable and high-quality livestock production.

In the upcoming months, the industry will focus on implementing disease prevention measures, particularly for foot-and-mouth disease, avian influenza, and contagious skin diseases in cattle.

Future strategies for Vietnam’s livestock sector involve enhancing monitoring channels for supply and global feed prices, mitigating the impact of high input material costs, and ensuring the quality of livestock feed.

Source: The Saigon Times