Conservation of livestock and aquaculture genetic resources for sustainable agriculture

On May 8, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment organized a scientific and technological workshop to review the results of livestock and aquatic genetic resource conservation for the 2021-2025 period and to outline directions for the 2026-2030 phase.

The event brought together participants from research institutes, specialized centers, universities, and representatives of numerous enterprises engaged in high-tech agriculture.

In his remarks at the workshop, Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien emphasized the strategic importance of genetic resources for livestock and aquaculture in ensuring food security and fostering sustainable agricultural development. He urged relevant units to focus on completing the legal framework, accelerating digitalization, building a comprehensive genetic resource database, and promoting information sharing across regions and sectors. The Deputy Minister also stressed the need to prioritize the conservation of rare and indigenous livestock and aquatic breeds that are at risk of disappearing due to climate change and competition from imported varieties.

During the workshop, institutes and centers under the Ministry presented the outcomes of their genetic resource conservation efforts over the past five years. Key institutions, including the National Institute of Animal Science, the Central Veterinary Drug Testing Center I, the National Institute of Veterinary Research, and the Research Institute for Aquaculture No.3, have played leading roles in the collection, preservation, and utilization of valuable genetic resources. These efforts support breeding programs, vaccine production, genetic selection research, and technology transfer initiatives.

Representatives from several participating enterprises expressed appreciation for the efforts made by research institutions in maintaining, developing, and conserving genetic resources. However, they also proposed strengthening public-private partnerships and enhancing access to valuable genetic materials and original breeds for commercial production purposes. Some enterprises highlighted the difficulties they face in accessing information on genetic resources and called for the development of an open, user-friendly data system that better accommodates the private sector. In addition, they emphasized the need for the transfer of conservation and propagation technologies, as well as on-site technical support for businesses.

The workshop served as a critical preparatory step toward the development of the upcoming national program on the conservation and development of genetic resources. The future program is expected to adopt an integrated, multi-sectoral approach aimed at improving practical application and maximizing investment efficiency.