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The American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) has entered into a trilateral partnership with the Vietnam Feed Association (VFA) and the Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam (AHAV) through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement, finalized on September 12 in Hanoi, aims to modernize Vietnam’s feed and animal husbandry sectors by combining the strengths and expertise of all three organizations.

This partnership is expected to drive growth, innovation, and sustainability in Vietnam’s feed and livestock industries, with the ultimate goal of aligning with the country’s broader sustainability goals. The MoU outlines a collaborative framework designed to strengthen these sectors by leveraging industry knowledge and promoting best practices.

“After years of efforts to showcase the advantages of U.S. feed ingredients for improving animal health and production efficiency in Vietnam, this MoU signals our commitment to future growth and innovation,” said Gina Tumbarello, AFIA’s senior director of global strategies, policy and trade. “Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient feed and animal production industry that caters to both today’s market demands and future growth.”

The AFIA has been actively working in Vietnam, supported by funding from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service Market Access Program, to educate local feed and animal production industries about the benefits of U.S. feed ingredients. The new partnership is anticipated to help upgrade Vietnam’s feed industry, which constitutes 65-70% of livestock production costs, by enhancing safety, quality, and consumer confidence in these products.

Nguyen Xuan Duong, AHAV chair, emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, “With current challenges such as disease outbreaks, market instability, and environmental concerns, this collaboration comes at a crucial time for Vietnam’s livestock and feed sectors. It will help drive sustainable growth while addressing these pressing issues.”

The MoU formalizes a united effort between the AFIA, VFA, and AHAV to not only address current challenges but also support the sustainable development of Vietnam’s agriculture and livestock industries.

“This collaboration will bring significant advancements and greater recognition from the government, feed producers, and livestock farmers,” said Dr. Ninh Thị Len, VFA vice chairwoman. “We aim to encourage more members to join us in driving the growth and transformation of Vietnam’s livestock sector.”

Source: World-Grain.com

Fish Cutters at Fish Market. Photo: Shahriar

Adding value to wet fish allows local farmers and producers to profit from their investments. Individuals can participate in this venture alongside or separate from their primary occupation. Ready-to-cook fish has a substantial demand in foreign countries and has the potential to become popular in Bangladesh as well.

Proper management of the fisheries sector is indispensable for sustainable aquatic food production, encompassing harvesting, transportation, processing, preservation, marketing, the cool chain, and the manufacture of value-added wet fish products.

These activities are intricately linked to food security, safety, nutrition, and the livelihoods of those associated with fisheries resources. To achieve this, sincere goodwill, cooperation, and joint efforts from all beneficiaries and related national, international, and private organizations are necessary.

Fish is recognised as one of the healthiest food items globally, and Bangladesh currently enjoys self-sufficiency in fish production. With the increasing annual fish production, there is a need to enhance value by fabricating value-added fish products from small fishes such as Pangas, Tilapia, Rui, Katla, etc.

Adding value to wet fish allows local farmers and producers to profit from their investments. Individuals can participate in this venture alongside or separate from their primary occupation.

The two major losses of fish in our country—qualitative and quantitative losses—can be significantly reduced through proper handling and value addition post-harvest. Employing cool chain technology to mitigate fish losses and creating value in wet fish production can contribute significantly to meeting the country’s food and nutrition needs.

Various approaches can be employed to add value to wet fish. One example is the production of dressed fish products (Ready-to-Cook), which has a substantial demand in foreign countries. Although this trend has not spread widely in Bangladesh, it is gaining popularity based on consumer needs. Fish cutters have become integral to the fish value chain, setting prices according to fish size and type, providing convenience to consumers looking to save time.

Fish cutters, operating as an essential part of the fish value chain, set prices based on fish size and type. For example, processing 1 kg of rui or any carp species may cost Tk10–15, using a sharp, weighted knife and completing the process within 3-5 minutes. They adjust charges for small fish accordingly and handle workloads based on customer numbers and the quantity of fish brought in for processing.

Notably, they do not inquire about the desired number of chunks from an individual fish, so customers need to communicate their preferences beforehand. This efficient system not only saves time and reduces workload but also produces fishery by-products, creating new business opportunities. Entrepreneurs can purchase, dress, package, freeze, and sell fish in various sizes and weights.

The value addition in the wet fish industry extends to shrimp and fish processing for export, including headless shell-on shrimp, butterfly, fish steak, etc. Dressed fish products, such as boneless fish, skinned fish, fish steaks, fish chunks, loins, fillets, beheaded fish, gutted fish, scaled fish, and chopped fish, can be produced in fish processing industries or at home for personal or small-scale business use.

Considering the perishable nature of fish, maintaining cool chains through freezing, icing, and refrigeration is crucial to preserving the quality of wet fish products. These products, collectively known as ready-to-cook products, are currently available in limited quantities in supermarkets like Swapno, Mina Bazar, and Agoda.

For large business operators, the development of a value-added fish app could facilitate consumers’ search for desired products. This app would provide detailed specifications of dressed fish, including premium-quality fish steak with size, quantity, weight, origin, harvest,

and expiration date, saving time for consumers. While some business operators are already working on such initiatives, they still need to be made available in Bangladesh.

Entrepreneurs can initiate similar ventures, starting with small grocery shops equipped with freezers. They can enhance visibility through posters, banners, or social media, advertising products such as “Premium quality dressed Haors kachki or Puti fish available for ready-to cook.”

This approach not only brings profit to small entrepreneurs but also saves time for consumers, creates new job opportunities, and contributes to the growth of small and largescale fish processing industries.

Author:

Al Shahriar

Training Assistant

WorldFish

Contact: alshahriar12@gmail.com

Mobile: +8801761962245

Bhutan is fast becoming a sought-after destination for recreational fishing, attracting a significant number of international anglers. Between 2023 and 2024, the country generated Nu 3.236 million from fishing fees, as 6,459 anglers, including 6,363 visitors, participated, according to media reports. This rise in popularity is tied to reforms in the tourism and conservation sectors, initiated by the 2022 amendment to the Forests and Nature Conservation Rules and Regulations, which paved the way for high-end recreational fishing.

Recreational fishing, commonly known as fly-fishing or sport fishing, was introduced as a new tourist product. Managed by the Department of Forests and Park Services (DoFPS) under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MoENR), the scheme promotes fishing in designated mahseer and trout waters. The initiative also aims to blend adventure tourism with conservation, generating revenue while protecting the environment. Tshering Sonam Wangmo, a statistics officer at MoENR, noted that Bhutan’s rich river systems and conservation efforts position the country to benefit greatly from this eco-tourism product.

To enhance accessibility for locals, Bhutanese residents now benefit from reduced permit fees, and permits can be easily obtained online through the forestry service portal. The program distinguishes between conventional and high-end fishing, with high-end options attracting greater fees and offering fishing in exclusive areas. Data from the ministry reveals that 6,012 individuals chose conventional fishing, while 447 opted for high-end fishing, including 291 Bhutanese anglers.

Community-based campsites have also been developed to support fishing activities. A key campsite has been established in the Zhemgang Forest Division, with plans to expand along key fishing rivers. Training programs, in collaboration with US specialists, have been launched to develop local expertise, with around 30 guides trained so far.

Bhutan has restricted recreational fishing to four key species: golden mahseer, chocolate mahseer, snow trout, and brown trout. Regulations under the Forest and Nature Conservation Act 2023 outline strict guidelines for fishing activities, including specific seasonal prohibitions during spawning periods and legal penalties for unauthorized fishing.

With its unique blend of adventure, conservation, and cultural experience, Bhutan’s recreational fishing sector is poised to play a vital role in the country’s tourism economy.

Source: E2 Employment & Education

In an extraordinary tale of survival, a 49-year-old Filipino fisherman, Robin Dejillo, has been rescued after spending an astonishing 47 days adrift at sea, surviving only on rainwater, coconuts, and fish. The Philippine Coast Guard confirmed Dejillo’s dramatic rescue on Friday, ending a nearly two-month ordeal that began when his boat ran out of fuel during a fishing trip.

Dejillo, a resident of Quezon province, southeast of Manila, had been reported missing on August 4 after his motorized fishing boat became stranded in the open ocean. Despite extensive searches, there had been no trace of him for over six weeks, leaving his family fearing the worst.

On Thursday, Coast Guard personnel patrolling the waters near the northernmost Batanes province, more than 600 kilometers away from where Dejillo was last seen, spotted a small white motorboat. Inside was an elderly man waving frantically for help. Upon closer inspection, the guards identified him as Robin Dejillo, who had miraculously survived more than a month at sea.

According to authorities, Dejillo was able to stay alive by catching fish and drinking rainwater that collected in his boat. In a stroke of luck, he also encountered coconuts floating in the water, which helped sustain him. His fishing experience and resourcefulness played a key role in his survival.

Despite battling severe dehydration and fatigue, Dejillo’s resilience astonished the Coast Guard team. However, questions remain about how he managed to survive the powerful tropical storms that have battered the Philippines in recent weeks. The country was hit by at least four major typhoons during the time Dejillo was lost at sea, with heavy rains, strong winds, and turbulent seas making his survival all the more remarkable.

Coast Guard personnel immediately towed Dejillo’s boat to the nearest port, where he was rushed to a local hospital for medical evaluation. Doctors are currently monitoring his condition, although initial assessments suggest that, despite his harrowing ordeal, he is in a stable state. Dejillo is receiving treatment for malnutrition and dehydration, but no serious injuries have been reported.

The Philippine Coast Guard has praised Dejillo’s incredible endurance, stating that surviving for nearly 50 days under such conditions is extremely rare. A spokesperson said, “His strength and determination to survive are nothing short of miraculous. To endure both the isolation and the extreme weather conditions he faced is a testament to the human will to live.”

Following his recovery, the Coast Guard is making arrangements to fly Dejillo back to his hometown in Quezon province, where his family awaits an emotional reunion. The community there had been holding out hope for his safe return, and news of his survival has sparked celebration.

While Dejillo’s physical recovery is underway, experts note that the psychological toll of being lost at sea for such a long period can be profound. Mental health professionals are expected to be involved in his post-rescue care, helping him process the trauma of his experience.

The Coast Guard has also announced plans to review the incident to improve safety protocols for small-scale fishermen like Dejillo, many of whom venture far out to sea without sufficient fuel or communication equipment. Authorities hope this event serves as a reminder of the risks faced by fishermen and the need for better maritime safety measures.

For now, Dejillo’s story of survival against all odds stands as a powerful reminder of human resilience and the dangers of the open ocean. His rescue has touched the hearts of many, both in the Philippines and around the world, as his remarkable journey becomes a tale of hope and endurance.

Source: The Statesman