Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr.Cao Duc Phat, July 08, chaired an online-meeting with officials from 28 provinces and cities throughout the country, where he gave instructions to implement Decision No.289/QĐ-TTg of Prime Minister on Assistance Policies for Aquaculture Farmers and fishermen, and Directive No.228/CT-BNN-NTTS on Development Plan of Black Tiger and Whiteleg Shrimps.

Many provincial governments have submitted the list of farmers who need financial and technical aids, however they could not provide timely assistance due to many reasons. Farmers and fishermen mostly need updated information on climate changes, timetable of fishing vessels, insurance policies, and guidance for registration. Currently, farmers cannot ensure the origin and quality of whiteleg shrimp stock, they are lack of adequate knowledge in wastewater and environment control. Farmers of most provinces have raised whiteleg shrimp in pilot program and did not invested much money in this species though it is a lucrative business. The state media reported state’s regulations on farming area and disease control are not suitable with actual situation in Mekong River Delta, causing many difficulties for local farmers.

In order to create favorable conditions for shrimp farmers, Mr.Phat asked provincial governments to push up the implementation process of Decision No.289/QĐ-TTg to improve the livelihood local people. He urged relevant agencies to simplify the administrative procedures and to provide loans for eligible households. Phat also instructed to raise whiteleg shrimp at large scales in such provinces, and said authorities have to tighten their control over farming-area planning, quality of stock, environment and technical transfer to minimize losses for local people.