June 22, 2026
 

Vietnam's Quang Tri province pilots commercial catfish farming model

The 0.9-hectare trial, stocked with 450,000 fingerlings, is projected to yield over 8.5 tonnes per hectare using high-protein commercial feed.

The Quang Tri Provincial Agricultural Extension Center has launched a pilot model for commercial catfish farming in earthen ponds in Quang Ninh commune, Vietnam, covering 0.9 hectares across two participating households.

The model was stocked with 450,000 fingerlings at a density of 50 fish per square metre, with each fingerling measuring 2-3cm at stocking. The fish are being fed commercial feed with a protein content of 40% or higher. Total implementation cost is over VND592 million (approximately US$23,200), of which the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center is contributing VND300 million (approximately US$11,800), with the remainder funded by the participating households.

After 4-5 months of farming, the fish are projected to reach a market size of 40 fish per kilogramme, with a survival rate of 70% and yield exceeding 8.5 tonnes per hectare. After deducting costs, projected profit is VND600-700 million per hectare (approximately US$23,500-27,500).

Phan Van Phuong, Deputy Director of the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, said the model aims to assess the adaptability and growth performance of catfish under local earthen pond conditions, and to introduce a new high-value aquaculture species to support diversification of the province's aquaculture production structure.

- Quang Tri Newspaper