Vinh Long – Coastal farmers thrive on pangasius krempfi aquaculture
In Vinh Long province’s Binh Dai commune, coastal farmers are reaping strong returns from farming Chinese pangasid catfish (Pangasius krempfi), locally known as ca bong lau, thanks to improved breeding techniques and pond-based grow-out systems.
The Chinese pangasid catfish, once a rare wild species found mainly in the Cua Dai River, is now supplying premium seafood markets while providing steady income for local households.
Farming began in 2014, when residents of Binh Thang (now Binh Dai) experimented with pond trials. Over time, they mastered breeding and fingerling production, enabling commercial-scale operations.
Among the early adopters was Le Hong Vu, a former whiteleg shrimp farmer who switched species due to volatile markets and disease risk. On one hectare of ponds stocked at 8,000-9,000 fish each, Vu now earns over VND 1 billion (USD 39,000) annually. He notes that the fish are relatively straightforward to rear if water quality is well managed and diets are supplemented with vitamins and minerals to strengthen immunity.
Fingerlings measuring 3-4 cm currently sell for around VND 8,000 each, while acclimated, feed-trained juveniles fetch VND 17,000-30,000. Harvest takes place after 12-16 months when fish weigh 1.5-2.5 kg, with larger individuals commanding higher prices.
According to veteran farmer Le Huu Duc, stocking 10,000 fish requires about VND 1 billion in investment. After 16-18 months, profits can match the initial capital, with minimal losses. Even at a conservative price of VND 80,000 per kg, farmers net around two-thirds of their outlay; in peak years, prices have reached VND 170,000 per kg.
The sector’s growth has led to the establishment of a Pangasius krempfi cooperative with more than 10 members, covering 12 hectares and producing 300-500 tonnes annually.
The group secures bulk input discounts and guarantees a floor purchase price of VND 50,000 per kg. Backed by VND 300 million in local Farmers’ Union funding and advocacy for expanded bank credit, members have been able to scale up operations.
According to former Farmers’ Union chairman Nguyen Hong Khanh, the fish are raised in semi-natural conditions with high-protein feed, aeration, and water flow to simulate river habitats. Quality matches that of wild-caught fish, and some producers also farm hybrids with other pangasius species such as basa to diversify product lines.
The semi-natural farming model in Binh Dai highlights coastal farmers’ capacity to innovate, turning a once-rare wild fish into a sustainable source of income and a high-value addition to Vietnam’s aquaculture portfolio.
VFM
