Catfish farming: A new direction for farmers

Catfish farming model brings high economic efficiency to farmers - Photo: TH

Catfish is easy to raise, has few diseases, and adapts well to fresh, salt, and brackish water environments. Their food is also very diverse, from natural to industrial. In particular, catfish meat is firm and delicious, so it is very popular in the market, especially in restaurants and wholesale markets.

However, currently, commercial catfish farming is still not widely popular in the province. People mainly exploit fish from the wild, leading to unstable supply and limited output. Developing the catfish farming model not only contributes to increasing people's income but also helps preserve local aquatic resources, reducing overexploitation pressure.

From that potential, the commercial catfish farming model was deployed to evaluate economic efficiency and practicality, creating a basis for replication in areas with similar conditions, contributing to the sustainable development of the local aquaculture industry.

The model was implemented in 3 households in Dong Trach commune, with a total pond area of 3,000m² for each household. The fingerlings were selected from reputable production facilities, ensuring quality and clear origin. During the entire farming process, the households were trained in detail on care techniques.

Instead of feeding based on emotions, farmers are instructed to feed fish according to each stage of development, adjusting the amount of food based on health and weather conditions to avoid wasting food and polluting water sources.

Pond environment management is a top priority, with periodic checks of pH and dissolved oxygen indicators and the application of biological treatment measures to keep the water environment clean, helping fish grow healthily and minimizing disease.

After nearly 4 months of care, the fish weighed about 40 fish/kg, with a survival rate of over 70%. With a selling price of about 150,000 VND/kg, the model has brought in clear profits. Mr. Tran Van Nam, a household participating in the model, shared: “Since switching to this model, I have found that catfish are easy to raise, have few diseases, and are suitable for small household conditions.

The farming process only requires keeping the water clean and feeding the fish properly so that they can grow well. With ^3000m2 , after deducting expenses, my family earns about 185 million VND/crop. Compared to raising white-leg shrimp, raising catfish has lower risks. I am very excited and plan to expand the pond area in the next crop."

Although the initial results are very positive, there are still some difficulties and challenges that need to be resolved to expand and develop the catfish farming model sustainably. The biggest problem at present is that the source of quality breeds still depends on other provinces, leading to high transportation costs and many potential risks.

Besides, although product output is favorable, it is still mainly sold to small traders, which are easily forced to lower prices, and have not yet formed a stable consumption chain.

To solve these “bottlenecks”, there needs to be more synchronous and drastic participation from all levels and sectors. First of all, the agricultural sector needs to have a plan to research and support the transfer of technology for producing catfish breeds locally. Being proactive in local breed sources not only reduces costs and risks but also helps to select and create breeds that are best adapted to the climate and soil conditions of Quang Tri.

At the same time, building a value chain is also a fundamental solution for product output. Local authorities need to act as a bridge, encouraging businesses and cooperatives to sign contracts to purchase products for farmers. At the same time, it is necessary to promote and build brands, bringing products to supermarkets, large restaurants and tourist attractions in the province.

The commercial catfish farming model is a correct direction, in line with the orientation of developing ecological agriculture, circulation and adaptation to climate change. The initial success in Dong Trach commune not only helps increase income, stabilize people's lives but also opens up a new prospect, contributing to diversifying farming objects, conserving local aquatic resources and building a local agriculture that is increasingly sustainable.

Thanh Hoa

Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/kinh-te/202508/nuoi-ca-nganh-huong-di-moi-cho-nong-dan-0066a35/