Thua Thien Hue: Developing commercial rabbitfish farming and building the ‘Tam Giang rabbitfish’ brand
Rabbitfish (siganus guttatus), a high-value endemic species from the Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon, is not only economically significant but also renowned as a culinary specialty of Thua Thien Hue.
However, in recent years, rabbitfish farming has primarily been integrated into mixed farming systems, leading to limited production. There is yet to be a dedicated, specialized farming area producing safe and characteristic goods from the lagoon region. Furthermore, rabbitfish products are mainly traded through small-scale intermediaries, resulting in unstable market prices.
To promote commercial rabbitfish farming with high economic value, Thua Thien Hue Provincial People’s Committee formulated the project “Development of Aquatic Specialties in the Tam Giang – Cau Hai Lagoon Region, Thua Thien Hue Province, 2022-2025.” This initiative includes rabbitfish as one of the aquatic specialties for establishing value chain links and collective branding.
In 2022, the Thua Thien Hue Center for Agricultural Extension was tasked by the provincial Department of Science and Technology to implement the project “Developing Commercial Rabbitfish Farming Areas in Line with the Value Chain and Building the ‘Tam Giang Rabbitfish’ Brand” (Decision No. 285/QD-SKHCN dated September 30, 2022). The project aims to establish a value chain that ensures stable seed and feed supply for farmers, along with reliable market access. Additionally, it aims to create the “Tam Giang Rabbitfish” brand for farmed rabbitfish in the lagoon region.
The project builds upon the technology for producing rabbitfish seeds developed by the Center for Aquaculture Promotion in 2005 and integrates results from rabbitfish seedling and farming models implemented by the Center for Agricultural Extension. It follows the “Technical Guidelines for Rabbitfish Seedling and Commercial Farming” issued by the Thua Thien Hue Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (Decision No. 310/QD-SNNPTNT dated April 8, 2022).
Key Activities Under the Project
- Surveys and consultations
o Conducted a project launch conference and a survey on rabbitfish farming and consumption in Thua Thien Hue. This evaluation provides guidance for farmers, businesses, and local authorities in planning the development of rabbitfish farming.
- Farming models
o Developed seedling and commercial rabbitfish farming models in Phu My and Phu Gia communes with a scale of 0.6 ha for seedling and 2 ha for farming across two locations. Two training sessions were held for local farmers on rabbitfish farming techniques.
- Brand development
o Created and registered the collective trademark “Tam Giang Rabbitfish – Hue – Lagoon Specialty.” Activities included designing a logo, drafting regulations for trademark management, establishing a management model, and developing commercialization and promotion strategies.
- Traceability system
o Implemented a value chain-based traceability system for “Tam Giang Rabbitfish” products.
Results after 22 months
- Collected comprehensive data on rabbitfish farming and consumption in the region.
- Established successful farming models:
- Seedling farming: 6,000 m², density of 20 fish/m², 49 fish/kg average weight, 50.75% survival rate, yield of 2.07 tons/ha.
- Commercial farming: 2 ha, 3 fish/m², 209 g average weight at harvest, 60.5% survival rate, yield of 3.79 tons/ha.
- Developed two technical procedures: one for seedling farming and another for biosecure commercial farming.
- Provided training to 100 farmers.
- Completed trademark registration for “Tam Giang Rabbitfish – Hue – Lagoon Specialty,” published in the Intellectual Property Gazette in June 2024, with formal certification expected in March 2025.
- Enhanced public awareness through local television broadcasts.
Impact and future potential
The project has been highly regarded for its suitability to local conditions, with significant potential for replication. The “Tam Giang Rabbitfish” trademark is expected to enhance market access, increase product value, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for local farmers while offering safe, high-quality products to consumers.
VFM
