Palm weevils are a destructive pest affecting coconut palms and related species. Authorities said some people had been breeding them for food or commercial purposes, risking their spread and damage to agriculture.
Under Vietnam's 2013 Law on Plant Protection and Quarantine, releasing plant pests or breeding, transporting or keeping them without government approval is illegal.
The provincial People's Committee has instructed the Department of Agriculture and Environment to step up public awareness campaigns, inspections and enforcement against violations.
Nguyen Thi Hong Linh, deputy head of the province's Crop Production and Plant Protection Sub-department, said offenders face fines of VND 3 million-6 million (USD 115-230), rising to VND 6 million-12 million for commercial activities.
Vinh Long has about 122,000 hectares of coconut plantations, accounting for around 61 per cent of Vietnam's total coconut-growing area, making pest control critical to protecting the province's key agricultural sector.
