Gia Lai shapes livestock toward modern, sustainable development

On May 5, Duong Mah Tiep, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai People’s Committee, signed a plan for livestock development to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Affirming economic role

In recent years, Gia Lai’s livestock sector has gradually shifted toward commodity production, the application of high technology, and the establishment of value chains. This serves as a foundation for the province’s livestock production to pursue modern, sustainable development and higher added value in the 2026-2030 period.

Despite challenges such as disease outbreaks, rising input costs, and market fluctuations, the sector maintained steady growth during the 2021-2025 period. By 2025, livestock production value exceeded VND 21 trillion, accounting for over 27% of the agricultural sector and nearly 8% of the province’s GRDP.

The scale of key livestock herds has expanded significantly. The cattle herd reaches nearly 794,000 head, ranking first nationwide; pigs exceed 1.68 million head, ranking second; and poultry surpasses 18.4 million. Meat output also increases, ensuring food supply for both local and external markets.

Farm-based, industrial, and high-tech livestock production has grown rapidly. The province now has hundreds of large-scale farms, many applying automated housing systems, temperature control, biosecurity protocols, and closed-loop environmental treatment. Linkages between enterprises and farmers, particularly in pig and poultry farming, have helped reduce market risks and improve production efficiency.

At the same time, value chains are steadily taking shape, from breeding and feed to farming and consumption. Some livestock products have built brands and achieved OCOP certification and VietGAP standards, enhancing competitiveness.

However, challenges remain. Small-scale household farming still accounts for a large share, making disease and environmental control difficult. Value chain linkages are not yet fully sustainable, while slaughtering and processing industries remain underdeveloped. A large part of consumer markets is still traditional.

Production costs remain high due to dependence on imported feed materials. Disease risks such as African swine fever and avian influenza persist, while food safety and traceability requirements are becoming stricter.

Restructuring toward sustainability

For the 2026-2030 period, Gia Lai aims to develop livestock in a modern, efficient, sustainable, and climate-resilient direction. As per the plan, the province targets stable growth, maintaining livestock as a major contributor to agriculture.

In terms of herd structure, key products will continue to expand. The cattle herd is expected to grow by roughly 2.9% annually, with crossbred cattle reaching around 88% by 2030. The dairy herd is projected to remain at approximately 120,000 head. Pig and poultry farming will continue to develop toward industrial-scale, high-tech models, ensuring disease safety and food safety.

In addition to major livestock, Gia Lai will promote specialty species such as goats, bees, and swiftlets to diversify products and optimize ecological advantages.

This province also aims to increase the share of industrial-scale farming while gradually reducing small, scattered household production. High-tech, automated, and digital livestock models will be expanded to improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance disease control.

As for processing, the province plans to develop modern, concentrated slaughtering facilities linked to production areas, while promoting deep processing for both domestic and export markets. Disease prevention efforts will be strengthened proactively to expand disease-free zones. Environmental management will be tightened by developing circular, low-emission livestock systems.

Gia Lai People’s Committee previously issued regulations on livestock density for 2026-2030. This provides a basis for local planning aligned with the province’s strategy toward biosecure, environmentally sustainable livestock development.

According to Doan Ngoc Co, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, rapid livestock expansion without strict control could put pressure on the environment and public health. Therefore, regulating livestock density is a necessary measure for sustainable development.

By 2030, livestock density is expected to reach 1.33 units per hectare, within the safe threshold and below the maximum limit of 1.5 units per hectare. This will support investment attraction, promote industrial-scale farming, and gradually reduce small-scale production.

“When livestock density reaches the maximum threshold, the province will stop approving new projects and gradually phase out smallholder farming, shifting toward high-tech models. This will help control pollution, limit disease risks, create stable jobs, and improve economic efficiency while ensuring sustainable development,” Deputy Director Doan Ngoc Co said.