Nguyen Xuan Duong, deputy head of the ministry’s Department of Livestock Production, said that a rise in exports to other countries, especially China, had helped raise prices.

As of today, pork prices are from VND40,000 to VND49,000 (US$1.8-$2.1) per kilo, increasing from VND25,000 per kilo of the last three months.

According to a representative of C.P. Viet Nam Corporation, which raises pigs, the pork price rose to VND41,500 per kilo today.

Nguyen Kim Doan, deputy chairman of Dong Nai Province Livestock Production Association, said that more and more traders were visiting farmers to buy pigs, but many farmers did not want to sell as they were waiting for higher prices.

Hoang Thi Lien, a pig-breeding farmer in the southeastern province of Dong Nai, said that traders offered to pay VND44,000 per kilo but she had decided to sell at a later date.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said that this was a positive sign for farmers.

Hai, however, was concerned that the farmers might raise more pigs because of the rising prices.

The increase in growing pigs was one of the factors that contributed to low prices, according to Hai.

Huynh Thanh Vinh, head of the Dong Nai Province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that farmers’dependence on the Chinese market to sell pork presented price risks.

The province is now focusing on reducing the number of pigs raised at small-size farms.

Quach Van Tay, head of Livestock Production and Animal Husbandry Division in Soc Trang Province, said farmers should carefully study market information and warnings from agricultural agencies.

They also should meet with local authorities to receive counselling about breeding practices.

Duong of the Department of Livestock Production said that the farmers should focus on disease control, provide vaccines for pigs, and disinfect farms.

State management agencies and enterprises will continue to enhance domestic and foreign consumption, he added.

He recommended the restructuring of breeding and livestock production by using co-operative chains, and diversifying livestock products to meet demand.

The Dong Nai Province Department of Industry and Trade reported that the province’s total number of pigs was 1.6 million, a drop of 500,000 compared to the last three months.

Luc Van Thuy, head of the department’s commerce division, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the province’s pork market was now stable.

Phan Ngoc Chau, head of the Livestock Production and Animal Husbandry Division in Long An Province, said that reduced prices in the last three months had led to a decrease in the number of pigs in the province from 280,000 to 230,000.

Nguyen Van Dong, head of Hau Giang Province’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the province would focus on raising 12,000 breeding pigs to prepare for the market when it recovers. — VNS