Identifying loss hotspots in the pangasius value chain and ACIAR interventions

Editor’s note: On the occasion of the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste (September 29), Vietnam Agriculture and Nature Newspaper is pleased to present an article by the ACIAR Vietnam expert team.

ACIAR Project: CS/2020/209, co-funded by ACIAR and IRDC, has conducted a systematic review analysing 19 studies and provided the first comprehensive assessment of food loss and waste throughout the Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) value chain, offering crucial insights for improving efficiency across the Mekong region.

The research partners include Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City, the University of New England, Swinburne University, University of Adelaide, the Australian National University, An Giang University - Vietnam National University, Cambodia’s Royal University of Agriculture and Laos’ National University, as well as leading pangasius processing and export enterprises in Vietnam.

This mixed-methods systematic review examined food losses from production to consumption stages. The findings reveal significant opportunities for intervention that could transform both farmer livelihoods and industry sustainability.

Three critical loss hotspots identified

The research team identified three primary areas where losses reach concerning levels. At the production stage, technical efficiency is low and physical losses during grow-out range from 30-50%. Environmental challenges proved particularly significant, with combined effects of low water pH and high salinity creating mortality rates up to 80%. Bacterial diseases, in particular, can cause high mortality rates, leading to major economic setbacks for farmers.

Processing emerged as the most significant loss stage, requiring 2.8 kg of raw material to produce 1 kg of commercial fillet, representing a 65% loss. The industry also fails to effectively use about half of all by-products, representing 276,000 tonnes of untapped potential annually.

Distribution losses occur primarily through cold chain instability, with spoilage a major concern when temperatures fluctuate during transport.

However, the research identified promising intervention strategies. Adding seaweed extract or using probiotic supplements, for instance, has dramatically increased survival rates and improved fish growth. Similarly, optimising logistics can significantly reduce losses and spoilage of aquatic products during harvest and sale.

Untapped by-product potential

The research highlighted significant opportunities in by-product utilisation. Given annual production exceeding 300,000 tons, Vietnam could potentially accumulate over 69,000-81,000 tons of Pangasius bones annually as raw material for high-value products like gelatine. However, overall utilisation rates achieve only 48% of potential, indicating substantial room for improvement.

Building regional research capacity and future directions

Beyond immediate findings, this project enhanced research capacity across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. The study developed an innovative integrated analysis matrix combining FAO's food loss classification framework with comprehensive value chain analysis.

The systematic review identified important knowledge gaps. While most research has focused on economic and physical losses, critical areas like nutritional losses, distribution and consumption have received far less attention.

These findings provide essential evidence for policymakers working to enhance food security while reducing environmental impacts. With Pangasius playing a crucial role in regional food security, these research outcomes provide a science-based roadmap for building more efficient, sustainable value chains that benefit stakeholders from production to consumption.

Authors

Nguyen Thi Bich Hien, Tran My Huyen, Vo Tat Thang, Trinh Thi Lan, Tong Yen Dan, and Nguyen Van Kien

Contacts

Project Co-Leaders:

Dr Nguyen Van Kien, kiennv@ueh.edu.vn,

Dr Kim Alexandre, kim.alexander@une.edu.au

Dr Vo Tat Thang, thangvt@ueh.edu.vn