Vietnam’s livestock sector must modernize with technologies that serve both smallholders and large-scale producers. This was the central message from Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Environment Phung Duc Tien at the recent Vietstock 2025 Expo & Forum in Ho Chi Minh City.
Technology that works for all
Mr Tien revealed that around 50% of Vietnam’s livestock production remains small-scale.
“So, our technologies must cater to all scales—from smallholders to large enterprises. Only then can we truly unlock the industry’s full potential,” he stated.
Mr Tien acknowledged progress in environmental management and equipment upgrades, noting that processing and slaughtering technologies have seen improvement, albeit slowly.
“If we don’t lead with technology and fail to leapfrog, Vietnamese livestock will struggle to thrive,” he warned.
To make innovation more accessible, industry events must evolve. Mr Tien urged stakeholders to rethink how exhibitions and forums engage producers. These events must go beyond networking, and clear goals must be set for:
- ✅ Trade agreements
- ✅ Technology transfers
- ✅ Adoption of advanced production methods
Address structural challenges and disease threats
Despite strong global rankings—5th in pig population, 6th in pork production, and 4th in pork consumption—Vietnam’s livestock sector faces persistent hurdles:
- ✅ High production costs
- ✅ Dependence on imported feed and breeding stock
- ✅ Fragmented production systems
- ✅ Limited access to modern technologies
These structural issues a compounded by disease threats. A growing concern is the reemergence of African swine fever (ASF), now with a new strain. The outbreak threatens farm biosecurity, increases costs, and undermines the competitiveness of domestic pork.
Toward a multi-tiered, high-tech future
Vietnam’s livestock industry contributes 25–27% of agricultural GDP and supports food security for over 100 million people. It also serves 15 million international tourists annually and sustains millions of farming households.
To secure its place in the global value chain, the sector must:
- ✅ Accelerate the transition to high-tech, multi-tiered production
- ✅ Invest in biosecurity and disease prevention
- ✅ Foster stronger collaboration across the supply chain
Mr Tien’s remarks at Vietstock 2025 underscore a clear directive for the country’s livestock sector: Act decisively, modernize inclusively, and ensure innovation reaches every level or production.