Phuoc Chi Commune exploits the strength of aquaculture

Developing potential from natural conditions

Realizing the great potential of natural water, many farmers in Phuoc Chi commune have boldly changed their production model, combining crop cultivation with aquaculture or investing in specialized cultivation of fish species with high economic value, initially bringing about clear results, including the model of utilizing water surface area to raise fish in cages and the model of combining aquaculture in rice fields of Tram Cat Agricultural - Aquaculture Service Cooperative (Tram Cat Cooperative).

Fish farming model in cages on Rach Tram canal of Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thuy An's family (residing in Phuoc Long hamlet)

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy An (residing in Phuoc Long hamlet) - a member of Tram Cat Cooperative, said that in 2020, with the encouragement and guidance of Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang - Director of Tram Cat Cooperative, she discussed with her husband to take advantage of the water surface area of the Rach Tram canal in front of the house to make cages and buy snakehead fish for raising. Up to now, her family has developed 25 cages, with 3 farming batches each year harvesting about 50 tons of commercial snakehead fish, with a stable selling price of over 40,000 VND/kg, estimated profit of about 250 million VND/year.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong's model of raising tilapia in rice fields in Phuoc Long hamlet is also being learned by many households. Mr. Hong said that in 2022, he was selected by the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center to transfer the semi-intensive fish farming model in nearly 0.4 hectares of his family's rice fields. After 4 months, the fish and rice grew quite well together, the post-harvest fish output reached more than 1.5 tons, bringing in an income of more than 80 million VND for the family, not including income from rice.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hong's model of fish farming combined with rice growing in Phuoc Long hamlet

According to Mr. Hong, raising fish in rice fields is a symbiotic combination that helps farmers reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides in the rice cultivation process. Fish live in rice fields, eat insects, so they grow very quickly. Thanks to fish, the rice has many fewer pests and diseases than before...

In addition, in the same area, Mr. Nguyen Duy Phu is testing and initially successfully raising loach fish in tarpaulin-lined ponds. With the selling price of commercial fish ranging from 180,000 VND to more than 230,000 VND/kg, after deducting expenses, his family has a profit of nearly 100 million VND/crop.

Model of raising loach fish in a tarpaulin-lined pond of Mr. Nguyen Duy Phu

Besides the concentrated models, many farmers also take advantage of the water surface of canals and ditches along the Vam Co Dong River to raise fish such as snakehead fish, catfish, striped snakehead fish, tilapia, etc. to provide food for their families and generate additional income.

Developing post-processed products, enhancing the value of aquatic products

Previously, the dried fish industry in Phuoc Chi was mainly spontaneous, small, and retail, with products without a brand, so the output was unstable and the income of the dried fishers was still difficult. The birth and development of cooperatives has brought a "new wind", creating a close connection between producers, helping to share experiences, improve product quality, build brands and expand consumption markets, bringing a stable source of income to hundreds of households.

Established in June 2024, Thanh Tien Aquaculture and Seafood Processing Cooperative (Binh Thuan Hamlet, Phuoc Chi Commune) focuses on developing the local traditional profession of making dried fish of all kinds. The main source of raw materials is commercial fish raised by farmers in the area.

In addition to this cooperative, Tram Cat cooperative also participates in processing dried snakehead fish from fish raised by cooperative members, contributing to stabilizing the output of harvested fish.

With strategic vision and thorough investment, Tram Cat Cooperative constantly improves the production process - from selecting raw materials, pre-processing to drying to ensure food safety and hygiene. Thanks to that, the dried snakehead fish product of Tram Cat Cooperative is known and trusted by many people, the consumption output is constantly increasing, creating stable jobs for many local workers with a good income.

Mr. Nguyen Truong Giang - Director of the Cooperative said, to promote the development of post-harvest products such as sun-dried snakehead fish, fresh snakehead fish with lemongrass salt,... The Cooperative really hopes that the relevant authorities will create favorable conditions to access capital sources to invest in equipment such as solar dryers; chain systems for processing, packaging, and freezing.

According to Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Phuoc Chi Commune Le Trung Kien, although aquaculture models in Phuoc Chi have initially achieved positive results, they still face a number of difficulties such as: lack of stable consumption links, high costs of feed and seeds, etc.

The local government is coordinating with relevant agencies to support technical training, build pilot models and expand cooperatives and groups to organize production according to value chains; support cooperatives to expand markets, improve competitiveness; mobilize people to take advantage of low-lying land and natural water surfaces to raise fish, associated with rural economic development, gradually building Phuoc Chi commune to achieve the status of an advanced new rural commune./.

Nguyen An

Source: https://baolongan.vn/xa-phuoc-chi-khai-thac-the-manh-nuoi-trong-thuy-san-a202271.html