Illustrative image (Source: Internet)
Khanh Hoa (VNA) – A conference was held in Nha Trang city, Khanh Hoa province on June 9 to seek ways to boost livestock production in the context of drought.
The event saw the participation of over 50 delegates from ministries, sectors and eight localities in the south central coastal region.
According to the Department of Livestock Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the region is endowed with favourable conditions for breeding animals such as sheep, goats and ostriches.
Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan and Khanh Hoa together produce over 98 percent of the nation’s mutton. Khanh Hoa and Quang Nam produce over 83 percent of the nation’s ostrich meat.
However, prolonged drought has taken a toll on livestock production in the region since 2014, the department said, adding that it cost farmers more to feed their livestock, so productivity has fallen.
Agricultural officials from the regional provinces and cities highlighted the need for restructuring animal farming.
The localities should promote their own potential, for example, Khanh Hoa focusing on raising ostriches and Salangane, and Ninh Thuan farming goats and sheep.
Doan Duc Vu from the Institute of Animal Sciences for Southern Vietnam said it is crucial to ensure food and water for livestock in the context of prolonged drought.
The region needs to grow drought-resistance grass and food varieties while applying technologies in processing and preserving agricultural by-products, Vu said.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam said the localities need to develop livestock production in a bid to enhance the sector’s competitiveness in international integration.-VNA
