Vietnam plans 128 livestock zones to replace small-scale farming

VIETNAM – Hanoi authorities have outlined plans to establish 128 concentrated livestock farming zones as part of a policy shift to phase out small-scale animal husbandry in residential areas.

The strategy, developed by the city’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, is intended to reorganise livestock production into large, controlled zones covering dairy cattle, beef cattle, pigs, and poultry across multiple communes.

Officials said the city currently maintains livestock populations of nearly 140,000 buffaloes and cattle, about 1.4 million pigs, and more than 40 million poultry, producing over 450,000 tonnes of meat annually.

Under the new framework, the 128 designated zones include 11 dairy farming areas, 67 cattle breeding and beef production areas, 106 pig farming areas, and 98 poultry farming areas in line with a long-term urban agriculture restructuring plan.

The policy is designed to shift production away from household-based farming and toward integrated supply chains that combine breeding, slaughter, processing, and distribution under centralised food safety oversight.

Authorities said the restructuring plan is also being extended to 24 communes in 2026 as part of Hanoi’s broader capital city development strategy.

As part of the transition, the city is working with BAF Vietnam Agricultural Joint Stock Company on a proposed high-tech livestock complex in Bat Bat commune covering about 220 hectares.

The project is expected to operate as a closed-loop production system, integrating breeding and commercial pig production within a vertically organised facility designed to improve efficiency and reduce land use.

Company representatives said the model would reduce feed consumption, labour requirements, and environmental pressures compared with traditional farming systems, while maintaining continuous production.

Local authorities in Bat Bat commune confirmed that preliminary land assessments have identified around 200 hectares suitable for the proposed project site.

City officials said the project aligns with Hanoi’s livestock development plan and is considered technically feasible based on current evaluations.

The restructuring programme also prioritises the development of slaughter and processing infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen food safety control and standardise production systems.

Authorities added that future policy measures will focus on supporting integrated livestock supply chains that can meet domestic demand and align with export-oriented food safety standards.

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