The Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang looks sets to achieve its annual target of 52,000 tonnes of shrimp output this year with 26,500 tonnes harvested so far.

The figure, equivalent to 60 percent of the yearly plan, represented an increase of 15 percent year-on-year.
Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Mai Anh Nhin said the yearly goal is within reach as there is still room to expand the shrimp farming area while the weather is expected to be favourable in the latter half of the year.

According to the department’s statistics, the locality has 89,314 hectares of shrimp farming, 314 ha higher than its annual target, and the area is expected to further expand.

The provincial authorities plan to accelerate the construction of infrastructure projects to serve the development of concentrated farming zones, while intensifying the management of water environment in shrimp farms.

The province will also create favourable conditions for businesses to access capital sources.

Kien Giang emerged as an economic spotlight on the Mekong Delta region in 2013, with economic growth rate hitting 9.4 percent, ranking fourth among the 13 provinces and city in the delta.

Shrimp farming was the main driving force behind the development of the province’s socio–economy.
The province has set a target of earning 175 million USD from exporting aquatic products in 2014, up 17 million USD against the value of a year earlier.-VNA