The fish is farmed on around 741 hectaresof ponds, 11.2 percent higher than a year ago, with output in the first half ofthis year being 16.4 percent higher at 167,000 tonnes.
With demand for shark catfish being large,prices have ruled consistently high at 29,000-31,000 VND (1.26 - 1.34 USD) perkilogramme, fetching farmers an income of 9,000 VND per kilogramme.
According to the provincial Department ofIndustry and Trade, 58,920 tonnes of the fish have been exported this year for 139.5million USD, a 22.3 percent rise.
The exports went to 72 countries.
Demand for juvenile catfish for farming hasalso increased, and over 1.2 billion juvenile fish were bred for the purposethis year, 7.5 percent higher than last year.
The provincial Department of Agricultureand Rural Development has been helping farmers learn proper farming methods andtesting water quality at farms to ensure they are optimal for raising the fish.
It is also working with farmers and businessesto plan breeding and harvesting activities.
An Giang plans to increase the area ofshark catfish farms to 1,000ha by 2025 and exports to 380 million USD.-VNS/VNA