Pig farming surges in Gia Lai, Vietnam despite diseases, storms

Commercial farms sell two batches annually, accelerating herd growth. In 2026, 24–26 new projects are expected to start, further boosting livestock numbers. Western Gia Lai is prioritized for large-scale pig farming, while eastern areas remain dominated by small household farms.

This expansion sets the stage for broader livestock trends across the province.

Shifts in livestock populations

Buffalo numbers declined to 26,709, down 804 animals or 2.9%. Farmers cited low commercial returns and shrinking grazing areas as key reasons.

Cattle herds rose to 739,817, an increase of 13,964 animals or 1.8%. Poultry also expanded, reaching nearly 18.5 million birds, up 1.4 million.

Meat output reflected these changes:

• ✅ Live pig meat: 315,603 tons, up 13.7%
• ✅ Live beef meat: 90,750 tons, down 1.4%
• ✅ Poultry meat: 59,500 tons, up 10.8%

Disease outbreaks and natural disasters

African swine fever struck Gia Lai in mid-2025, causing 26 outbreaks and losses of over 1600 pigs. Neighboring provinces lost tens of thousands, while nationwide losses exceeded two million pigs. Gia Lai’s impact was relatively small.

Authorities culled infected pigs and launched province-wide disinfection campaigns in December 2025. Farmers were guided to adopt biosecurity measures.

Storms and floods in November 2025 mainly damaged poultry farms. Pig herds in eastern communes such as Hoai An and An Nhon suffered minimal losses, reinforcing the sector’s resilience.

Investment and certification

Gia Lai has 151 approved livestock projects, with 54 already operating. By 2026, more projects will expand the herd further.

The province counts 790 farms of varying sizes, many applying biosafety and high-tech processes.

Certification highlights include:

• ✅ 65 farms with VietGAP, GlobalGAP, or disease-free status
• ✅ 86 farms certified for food safety
• ✅5 production linkage chains involving 200 farms and major enterprises such as CP Vietnam, Japfa Comfeed, CJ Vina Agri, GreenFeed, and Hong Ha Binh Dinh

These certifications strengthen consumer confidence and support sustainable growth.

Future growth and strategic direction

Despite disease outbreaks and natural disasters, Gia Lai’s pig industry continues to grow. Authorities expect further expansion in 2026 with new projects and stronger biosecurity. Despite disease outbreaks and natural disasters, Gia Lai’s pig industry continues to grow. Authorities expect further expansion in 2026 with new projects and stronger biosecurity.

The province plans to concentrate large-scale pig farming in western Gia Lai, where space and infrastructure allow for sustainable development. With investment momentum and disease control measures in place, livestock growth is projected to remain strong.