Quang Tri – Marbled eel farming on sandy soils yields billion-VND profits
From the arid sand dunes of Cam Hong commune in Quang Tri province, farmer Le Ha Giang has transformed the once-barren land into a green farm that uses advanced technology to raise marbled eels, generating annual revenues worth tens of billions of VND.
When he first started, many doubted that crops or livestock could survive on the sun-scorched, nutrient-poor sand swept by hot Lao winds. Giang began by creating a “microclimate” through green cover: planting casuarina trees as windbreaks, interspersed with coconut palms and hardy native species such as myrtle and wild shrubs. Over time, the sand hills turned into a cooler, more hospitable environment for aquaculture.
Giang’s early attempts were marked by repeated failures, including devastating floods that washed away his stock. Learning from these setbacks, he shifted to elevated sandy areas, installed raised cement tanks, and added roofing systems to shield the eels from heat, light, and noise, conditions that allow them to grow more stably.
A key feature of the farm is its closed-loop bio-circulation system. Water from the tanks passes through microbial filters that neutralize toxic gases and enrich oxygen before being recirculated. This eliminates the need for water exchange and antibiotics, while increasing stocking density from 20 kg to 100 kg per cubic metre. The eels are fed clean, commercial feed, reducing disease risks and ensuring high-quality harvests.
Regular grading helps separate faster-growing eels, ensuring uniform, healthy stock. After 12 months, fish weighing over 1 kg each are harvested, while smaller individuals are kept for the next cycle.
After nearly 15 years of perseverance, Giang has built the Kim Long eel brand into a recognized market product. His farm now supplies 50-60 tonnes annually, under contracts with exporters to Japan, South Korea and other markets.
“Farming marbled eels on sand is extremely challenging, but with technology and passion, I’ve turned this harsh land into a place that brings in billion-VND incomes every year,” Giang said.
VFM
