According to the Vietnam Fisheries Development Strategy to 2030, with a Vision to 2045, tilapia is identified as a key potential aquaculture species, alongside shrimp and pangasius (tra fish). The goal is to reach an annual production of 400,000 tons by 2030, making tilapia the second-largest freshwater fish export after pangasius—helping diversify export products and reduce reliance on a few key commodities.
Rapid Expansion of Tilapia Farming in Tra Vinh Province
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Since 2023, aquaculture farmers in Tra Vinh Province have actively introduced tilapia into production, particularly in brackish-water shrimp ponds.
Tilapia harvest at the farm of Mr. Dao Van Hieu, Bo Kinh 1 Hamlet, My Hoa Commune, Cau Ngang District (Photo: Tra Vinh Newspaper)
According to the Department of Fisheries, Fishery Inspection, and Marine Affairs (under the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Tra Vinh Province), tilapia farming for export is expanding rapidly.
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46 households are currently engaged in farming tilapia for export, covering 106 hectares, mainly in Cau Ngang, Tra Cu, and Chau Thanh districts.
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Additionally, Cuu Long Fisheries Company has stocked over 60 hectares, expecting to harvest approximately 500 tons in May 2025, and is building a 10-hectare hatchery facility.
Favorable Conditions for Large-Scale Tilapia Development
Mr. Le Tan Thoi, Head of the Provincial Department of Fisheries, noted that Tra Vinh has great potential for developing export-oriented tilapia farming thanks to favorable water salinity and environmental conditions.
The province currently has 5,570 hectares of brackish and freshwater aquaculture area, distributed across:
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Chau Thanh District: Hung My, Phuoc Hao, Long Hoa, Hoa Minh communes.
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Cau Ngang District: Vinh Kim, Thuan Hoa, My Hoa, Long Son, Hiep Hoa, Nhi Truong, Hiep My Tay communes.
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Tra Cu District: Dai An, Dinh An, Luu Nghiep Anh, Ham Tan communes.
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Tieu Can and Cau Ke Districts: Tan Hoa, Hung Hoa, Tap Ngai, Tan Hung, Ngai Hung, Hoa Tan, Ninh Thoi communes.
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Other areas: Duc My Commune (Cang Long District), Con Co, Thuy Tien, and Long Tri Islets (Tra Vinh City and Chau Thanh District).
These zones, with salinity levels between 0‰ and 8‰ for more than six months a year, are ideal for tilapia culture, either in monoculture or rotational systems with shrimp and other aquatic species.
Successful Pilot Models in Cau Ngang District
Currently, Cau Ngang District has over 32 hectares of tilapia cultured alongside shrimp.
Pioneering farmers such as Mr. Nguyen Van Tu and Mr. Nguyen Quoc Cuong (Hiep My Dong Commune) successfully integrated tilapia into shrimp ponds in 2023, producing high yields and profitability.
The Cau Ngang Agricultural Technical Service Center has also implemented experimental farming models, helping local farmers learn standardized techniques and evaluate the economic efficiency of tilapia farming.
Export Potential and Technical Requirements
Mr. Nguyen Tri Thong, Deputy Director of the Cau Ngang Agricultural Technical Service Center, highlighted that global demand for tilapia is rising, boosting the species’ export value.
However, he cautioned farmers to be selective with fry quality and strains, as imported tilapia breeds vary significantly in growth rate and fillet quality.
To ensure high efficiency, integrated value chains should be developed—linking hatchery operators, feed suppliers, and processing/export companies. Strict adherence to technical and quality standards is necessary, especially since tilapia exports are primarily sold as fillets, where flesh texture and color vary by strain.
Technical Recommendations for Tilapia Farming
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Stocking density: 10 fish/m².
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Fingerling size: 3,000–4,000 fish/kg (to minimize early mortality).
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Optimal salinity: below 10‰.
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Feed conversion ratio (FCR): 1.2 kg feed per 1 kg of tilapia.
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Protein content in feed: 30–32%.
Farmer Insight: Building Stable Market Links
Mr. Nguyen Van Tu (Hiep My Dong Commune, Cau Ngang District) shared:
“To achieve stable prices, farmers must cooperate with enterprises to secure purchase contracts and avoid price fluctuations. Strict control of antibiotic residues is also crucial to maintain export market eligibility.”
Conclusion
With favorable natural conditions, government support, and growing export demand, tilapia farming in Tra Vinh is emerging as a promising aquaculture model.
If production continues to expand sustainably and effectively, tilapia is expected to become Vietnam’s second-largest freshwater fish export—after pangasius—by 2030.