Initial results from commercial catfish farming in a remote district of Nghe An

Ky Son has high mountainous terrain, quite cold climate, many relatively large rivers and streams flowing through, so it is very suitable for aquatic species to live, providing delicious meat quality, especially cool fish, catfish, grass carp, catfish...

Commercial catfish farming model in Canh village, Ta Ca commune. Photo: TP

According to Mr. Ngan Van Thao - Director of the Agricultural Service Center of Ky Son district, despite the potential, because people still maintain traditional farming and fishing practices, the number of aquatic species is decreasing, including catfish.

To help people increase their income, protect aquatic resources, gradually form craft villages for raising endemic fish species, and reduce the frequency of natural fish exploitation, the District Agricultural Service Center has piloted a commercial catfish farming model in 10 households of Canh village, Ta Ca commune.

Officers of the Ky Son District Agricultural Service Center evaluate the quality of fish after 8 months of trial farming. Photo: HT

Ta Ca commune has a terrain stretching along the Nam Mo river, with many fish ponds with clean water from streams, creeks, and rivers, which are very suitable for aquaculture. Mr. La Van Phuc in Canh village, Ta Ca commune, one of 10 households supported to implement the commercial catfish farming model, said that he raised catfish on an area of ^500m2 of pond. After 8 months of raising with free support for seeds, food, and care techniques, the fish reached a weight of 1 - 1.5 kg.

“With the current weight of fish, my family has also started to sell them to the market. If raised for 10 months, the fish will weigh from 1.5 to 3 kg. The selling price is from 150,000 to 200,000 VND/kg depending on the weight, which has brought a good income for the family,” said Mr. Phuc.

Commercial catfish farming trial for the first time in Canh village, Ta Ca commune. Photo: TP

Each household participating in the model is supported 100% of the number of fish fry as well as food, with a budget of about 15 million VND. After 8 months of raising, the effectiveness assessment shows that the commercial fish weigh over 1 kg and can start to be sold on the market.

Farming model on ponds with natural water sources from streams and creeks. Photo: HT

With the farming method using water from natural streams and creeks, the ponds all have water inlets and outlets to adjust the water level as well as ensure clarity and cleanliness so the fish grow well, with firm, delicious meat.

With a pilot scale of 10 households raising catfish, total area of 0.5 ha, cost of more than 173 million VND, actual assessment after 8 months of raising shows that the rate of healthy fish, good growth, reached over 72%, profit earned is about 154 million VND/0.5 ha/10 months of raising, bringing in an income of about 15 million VND/household/month.