Mekong Delta: pig prices slightly increased, but farmers still suffered heavy losses

Live pig prices fell sharply in the first days after 19 provinces and cities implemented social distancing in accordance with Directive 16.

From July 16-22, the price of live pig in Tra Vinh was VND 50,000/kg, down VND 7,000/kg compared to the previous week and VND 13,000/kg lower than the first days of July. In Vinh Long, the lowest price for live pigs is VND 52,000/kg.

As shared by Mr. Pham Minh Truyen, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Tra Vinh province, due to many obstacles in the circulation of goods between the provinces, the price of live pig even dropped to VND 48,000/kg at some points.

In recent times, upon carrying out re-herding work after the influence of African swine fever, Tra Vinh province's pig herd fluctuated about over 210,000 heads, which is an increase of 57,000 heads, equivalent to the total herd before the epidemic, so it also contributed to the latest decrease in the price of live pigs.

However, up to this point, the units have been more flexible in adapting to the new situation, the work to remove congestion in the circulation of goods has begun to come into order, resulting in the price of live pig increasing again.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Thuy in the city of Tra Vinh said: Today, traders have informed farmers that the price of pigs has increased again, reaching VND 55,000/kg, up VND 5,000/kg in comparíon to last week. Although there has been an increase in the price of pigs, it is not enough to cover the cost of raising livestock since this selling price is still below cost.

Apart from trading animal feed, Mr. Mai Hoang Nhan, My An commune, Mang Thit district, Vinh Long province also additionally raises pigs for slaughter and breeding sows with a herd of several dozen pigs. According to Mr. Nhan, these days, the average price of live pigs in Vinh Long is about VND 55,000/kg, an increase of VND 3,000/kg compared to last week.

At this price, farmers can control their own piglets to raise them and, if lucky, break even. Having to buy piglets will force them to suffer heavy losses because the cost of animal feed per quintal of pigs has reached VND 3.5 million. Adding the breeds cost of VND 2.5 - 3 million, plus the cost of medicine, the cost can go up to VND 7 million/quintal.

Mr. Mai Hoang Nhan added that, even though the price of pig is dropping deeply, but the price of animal feed is constantly escalating at the moment, businesses have announced that the price of animal feed will increase by VND 300/kg tomorrow, which is equivalent to VND 7,500/bag (25kg).