Developing livestock farming in conjunction with ecotourism.

Khanh Hoa is leveraging its advantages from livestock farming models such as ostrich, goat, and sheep farming to create attractive ecotourism products for sightseeing and experiences. This not only increases economic efficiency but also opens up a "green" and sustainable direction for the province's agricultural sector.

Leaders from the Department of Agriculture and Environment, along with a delegation from the agricultural extension service, visited a goat farming model integrated with ecotourism in Tay Ninh Hoa commune.

Farms with great potential

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, in Ninh Hoa ward, Khatoco Ostrich and Crocodile Trading Company is raising over 3,800 ostriches, supplying approximately 200 tons of meat annually. In addition, ostrich skin is crafted into hundreds of high-end wallets, bags, belts, and shoes for domestic consumption and export. Ostrich eggshells are used to create exquisite handicrafts; the area is also designed as a miniature eco-tourism destination. Visitors can observe the ostrich breeding and feeding process, ride ostriches, take photos, and visit the product display area. The combination of production, tourism, and fashion has created a unique multi-layered, multi-valued economic model.

In some localities, the image of herds of goats and sheep roaming freely in the sunny, windy grasslands has become a highlight attracting tourists who enjoy experiential agricultural tourism. Farmstay models focusing on raising goats and sheep are emerging, combined with camping spaces and traditional cuisine , creating a new and attractive tourism product.

Farmers from Khanh Hoa participate in the Agriculture and Tourism Forum.

In recent years, models for developing goat and sheep farming combined with ecotourism have been implemented by the agricultural sector and livestock farmers. For example, in 2024, the Provincial Agricultural Services Center implemented the model "Breeding sheep farming adapted to climate change in the South Central coastal region." The center transferred hundreds of Dorper crossbred sheep and provided guidance on care procedures to households. Also in 2024, the Provincial Agricultural Services Center implemented a demonstration agricultural extension model "Breeding goat farming to create raw material areas linked to ecotourism in Khanh Hoa province." With a scale of 100 female goats and 5 male goats, the model applies advanced techniques in biosafety farming and creates an experiential destination for tourists. In addition, some private farms and goat breeders have invested in developing open grazing areas, combining tourism with goat feeding areas, photo opportunities, stalls showcasing and selling goat meat and milk products, and local culinary spaces.

Sustainable path

To successfully integrate with tourism, livestock farming must ensure ecological, circular, and safe practices. This was the assertion of policymakers, scientists, and livestock farmers at the National Agricultural Extension Forum on "Solutions for developing livestock farming adapted to climate change, linked with ecotourism," held in July 2025 in Khanh Hoa.

Farmers in Nam Ninh Hoa commune raise goats and cattle in combination with ecotourism.

Mr. Vo Van Cong, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that in recent years, the province has issued policies to "green" the livestock industry. These include the Khanh Hoa Livestock Development Strategy to 2030, with the core content being the formation of concentrated livestock farming areas, increased application of high technology, promotion of large-scale livestock farming, application of deep processing, and development of ecological livestock farming models linked to tourism. The Khanh Hoa Green Transformation Project for the period 2024-2030 is closely linked to a green growth model, efficient resource utilization, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation for sustainable development. The project proposes solutions, including the need to "green" and be environmentally friendly for the livestock industry. In addition, within the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program, many entities have shown interest in investing in livestock farming models combined with ecotourism to participate in the program and have received high praise.

As a popular tourist destination welcoming millions of visitors annually, including tourists from Muslim countries – a potential customer group for Halal goat and sheep products – the province is developing a project titled "Developing Halal Goat and Sheep Products in the Province by 2030," aiming to develop the goat and sheep farming industry in Khanh Hoa province in a sustainable and modern direction, linked to production and processing processes that meet Halal standards. Successful implementation of this project will help Khanh Hoa become a pioneering locality in the South Central region in the production, processing, and export of Halal goat and sheep products, serving both the domestic market and targeting exports to potential markets.

Besides the potential and positive signs, it can be seen that livestock farming is still on a small-scale, household basis, infrastructure is not synchronized, and agricultural tourism services are fragmented, which are limitations that need to be improved. Mr. Vo Van Cong added that to promote the potential of ecological livestock farming, the agricultural sector is focusing on implementing and advising the province on issues related to planning livestock farming areas combined with tourism. Priority is given to areas with suitable conditions for developing open farm models, linked to landscapes and tourism experiences. At the same time, there are plans to invest in infrastructure and tourism services; attention is paid to equipping farmers with tourism skills. Furthermore, collaboration with travel agencies and media is needed to promote and develop tours and routes connecting farms - historical sites - craft villages - beaches and islands to increase the length of stay and spending of tourists. Encourage the development of distinctive products from livestock such as goat milk, lamb meat, ostrich leather, bird's nests, etc., to become high-value tourist souvenirs.

The province currently has a total livestock population of over 822,000 animals. Of these, the sheep population is nearly 100,000, the largest in the country; the goat population is approximately 120,000. In addition, the province is developing endemic livestock such as ostriches and swiftlets – "agricultural ambassadors" that are contributing to building the brand of local specialties.

HONG DANG

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/kinh-te/nong-nghiep-nong-thon-moi/202511/mo-huongphat-trien-chan-nuoi-gan-voidu-lich-sinh-thai-fb36148/