Ca Mau aims to develop sustainable tilapia value chain

On May 29, the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment worked with a delegation from the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to survey the current status of tilapia production and consumption, serving the development of a value chain for the sector.

The meeting was attended by To Hoai Phuong, Director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment; Nhu Van Can, Deputy Director of the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, along with scientists, experts, and business representatives.

Great potential from integrated farming models

Reports from the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment show that tilapia is currently farmed mainly under shrimp-forest, shrimp-rice, extensive, and improved-extensive farming models, covering nearly 395,300 hectares. The estimated output reaches 20,000 tons annually. Several enterprises are also researching and investing in monosex tilapia farming models linked to processing and export value chains.

At the meeting, discussions focused on the development potential of the tilapia sector, as well as opportunities and challenges in production, processing, and consumption. Delegates proposed solutions for forming a sustainable value chain from seed production, feed supply, and commercial farming to processing and product distribution.

Many opinions emphasized key factors for the sustainable development of the tilapia sector, including improving seed quality, securing feed supplies, building stable markets, and strengthening linkages between enterprises and farmers.

Delegates also proposed researching and developing a dedicated brand for Ca Mau tilapia products and eventually registering intellectual property rights to enhance product value and market competitiveness.

Leaders in the fisheries sector saw integrating tilapia farming with super-intensive shrimp farming as a promising approach. Tilapia could help stabilize water quality and reduce water treatment costs during shrimp farming, thereby improving production efficiency and supporting sustainable aquaculture development.

Proposals for scientific research supporting sector development

To Hoai Phuong, Director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that the development of the tilapia sector should follow an appropriate roadmap, with careful assessment of efficiency before expansion to ensure proper control of the environment, diseases, market demand, and economic performance.

The Director also proposed that the Directorate of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance continue to strengthen communication efforts so that local people clearly understand the goals, significance, and benefits of the Tilapia Value Chain Development Project, while promptly informing localities of new mechanisms, policies, and regulations to support effective implementation.

Dr. Tran Huu Loc from Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry proposed conducting provincial-level scientific research projects to comprehensively assess tilapia farming models in Ca Mau and provide a basis for selecting seed varieties suited to local natural conditions. He also suggested studying feed optimization based on farming density to reduce production costs, improve productivity, and increase economic efficiency.

The meeting provided an opportunity for management agencies, scientists, enterprises, and local authorities to exchange views, evaluate potential, and discuss development orientations for the tilapia sector in Ca Mau. The discussions contribute to completing the content of the Tilapia Value Chain Development Project toward sustainability, efficiency, and suitability to local conditions.

According to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Processing and Export (VASEP), Vietnam's tilapia exports continued their positive growth momentum in February 2026, with many markets recording significant year-on-year increases. In February alone, Vietnam's tilapia export value reached USD 8.4 million, a 148% increase compared to the same period last year.

For the first two months of 2026, Viet Nam's total tilapia export value reached USD 23 million, a 242% increase year-on-year. Particularly in February, Brazil remained the largest importing market, accounting for USD 4 million, nearly 50% of Vietnam's total tilapia export value. Demand in this market remained high, especially for frozen tilapia fillet products for domestic consumption.

Some Middle Eastern markets are showing positive growth signals for Vietnamese tilapia; however, high transportation costs and complex geopolitical situations in the region could affect the ability to expand and maintain stable long-term exports to this area.

*USD 1 = VND 26,395. Source: Vietcombank.