Ha Tinh: Raising pompano under VietGAP standards yields 10.8 tons per hectare in six months

In 2023, the Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center successfully implemented a model for farming pompano fish that meets VietGAP standards, combined with product consumption linkages, in Thien Cam Town (Cam Xuyen District). To gradually expand this model across the province, the center plans to develop a demonstration model in Ho Do Commune (Loc Ha District) in 2024.

The model was implemented at Le Thi Khuyen’s household in Tan Phu Hamlet (Ho Do Commune) on a 0.5-hectare area, with 15,000 juvenile fish stocked at a density of 3 fish per square meter. The model owner strictly followed the technical guidelines for raising pompano in ponds, as instructed by technical staff. Integrated disease prevention measures were fully implemented to minimize pathogen risk. Water quality was carefully managed, and only commercial feed with 43% protein was used to ensure optimal growth. Feeding followed the “four determinations” principle, with vitamin C supplementation to boost the fish’s resistance. Weather conditions and fish health were regularly monitored, allowing for adjustments in feeding as needed.

Thanks to adherence to proper technical procedures, after six months of farming, pompano reached an average weight of 0.6 kg per fish, with a total production of 5.4 tons—equivalent to an average yield of 10.8 tons per hectare. The selling price ranged from VND 130,000 to VND 140,000 per kg. Additionally, Khuyen aquaculture facility has earned VietGAP certification for pompano from the Vietnam Fisheries Technology and Services Transfer Center (FITES).”

Khuyen, the owner of the model, shared: “Previously, my family farmed pompano using extensive methods, feeding them only trash fish. This informal approach required minimal investment in technology, making water quality management difficult. As a result, the mortality rate was high, and profits were low.

After the Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center conducted a survey and provided support, my family became a pioneer in adopting the pompano farming model under VietGAP standards, with an emphasis on linking product consumption. This has proven to be highly economically beneficial. Specifically, the VietGAP-certified pompano has streamlined product sales and increased its market price.

The Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center provided partial young fish for the model and fully covered the consultation and VietGAP certification costs for the farming households. It coordinated with local authorities to organize training, offer technical guidance, and assess the necessary conditions for the model’s implementation. The Center also guided farmers in environmental monitoring, pond restoration, and ensuring adherence to technical procedures before the farming season.

Additionally, guidance is provided on selecting and stocking fish seeds, fish care, disease prevention, and harvesting methods to meet VietGAP standards. Through activities like training, field visits, inspections, and workshops, the benefits of applying VietGAP standards in aquaculture were promoted to the local community. As a result, people have embraced scientific techniques, particularly using certified fish seeds with traceability and a focus on quality and environmental sustainability.

Hoang Hai Duong, Vice Chairman of Ho Do Commune’s People’s Committee, stated that the pompano farming model at Le Thi Khuyen’s household is the first in Loc Ha District to receive VietGAP certification for this species. In the future, local authorities will focus on promoting and expanding the model.

The implementation of VietGAP standards in pompano farming in Ha Tinh province aims to ensure food safety, reduce feed costs, chemicals, and labor, minimize diseases, limit environmental pollution, increase fish survival rates, shorten farming periods, and enhance product quality for better marketability. Recently, the Ha Tinh Agricultural Extension Center has collaborated with several districts to develop models for transferring techniques, laying the foundation for the growth of this industry.

VFM