9 scientific and technological recommendations in livestock and aquaculture

Summarizing Thematic Session 2 on Livestock and Veterinary Sciences, Aquaculture and Fisheries Surveillance, held as part of the Conference on the "Plan for implementing Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo on breakthroughs in the development of science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation", along with relevant documents from the agriculture and environmental sectors on the afternoon of May 10 in Bac Ninh, Director General of the Directorate of Fisheries, Mr. Tran Dinh Luan, stated that the session featured eight presentations and over 10 contributions addressing the fields of livestock, veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and fisheries surveillance.

The reports highlighted the current state of the livestock and aquaculture sectors, particularly focusing on key species such as pigs, poultry, shrimp, pangasius, and marine farming, as well as recent developments regarding animal and aquatic disease outbreaks.

In response to the various opinions raised, relevant units have proposed appropriate directions and implementation measures for the near future. These were heartfelt contributions, with particularly high praise for Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW and Decision No. 503/QD-BNNMT.

According to the leadership of the Directorate of Fisheries, during this afternoon's thematic session, the Department of Livestock Production and Animal Health, along with the Directorate of Fisheries, presented their implementation plan for Decision No. 503/QD-BNNMT. They also clearly outlined the direction for coordination among research institutes, universities, and scientists. The goal is to join efforts in realizing the aspiration of Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy to improve the productivity, quality, and efficiency of agricultural production in the coming time.

After the Conference, policymakers, research institutes, universities, and businesses will convene to conduct detailed reviews of each livestock and aquaculture species group.

It is necessary to clearly define research directions aimed at improving productivity and quality in the livestock sector, such as pigs, chickens, and other animals.

In aquaculture, particularly shrimp, fish, and marine farming, enterprises and research institutions must clearly delineate responsibilities. This will serve as a basis for building effective coordination mechanisms, thereby enabling the successful implementation of the key tasks outlined in Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW in the coming period.

Nine heartfelt recommendations

Director General Tran Dinh Luan emphasized that the session recorded many heartfelt recommendations from policymakers and scientists, focusing on the following key points:

First, the recommendations highlighted the need to improve mechanisms that encourage cooperation among scientists, research institutions, and businesses in transferring science and technology.

Second, streamlining administrative procedures. Minister Do Duc Duy emphasized that this measure removes barriers and creates favorable conditions for research collaboration and the effective application of scientific results in practice.

Third, enterprises should be encouraged to apply and develop high-tech agriculture, including tax and fee exemptions or reductions.

Fourth, conducting research and improving public investment mechanisms to support upgrading research infrastructure in ministries, sectors, and localities. Currently, capacity and equipment in livestock, veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and fisheries surveillance remain limited, fragmented, and inadequate to meet the research and production needs in the new development phase.

Fifth, applied research should be conducted based on the needs and orders of businesses and the public, while research institutes and universities must guide basic research to ensure practical applicability. Special attention should be given to breeding programs to improve genetic quality in livestock and aquaculture through well-structured, long-term research strategies.

Sixth, in the aquaculture sector, to address the growing issue of antibiotic resistance, it is necessary to promote research and development of vaccines for disease prevention.

Seventh, human resources in livestock and veterinary medicine, aquaculture, and fisheries surveillance remain inadequate. Training should be closely aligned with businesses' needs to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce in the near future.

Eighth, many supporting technologies are currently imported; this represents a gap that domestic enterprises can focus on through targeted research and development efforts.

Ninth, enhancing international cooperation is essential to leverage cutting-edge technologies and shorten research timelines.