"Thanh Chuong Chicken": Old path, new approach

(Baonghean) - Keeping pace with the development trends of the economy in general and the agricultural sector in particular, traditional chicken farming in Thanh Chuong is being transformed towards commercialization. Building on a solid foundation of favorable natural and human conditions, large-scale chicken farming is opening up a promising new path for Thanh Chuong farmers.

Livestock farming is a familiar occupation to the people.

The family of Mr. Tran Cong Son (Hamlet 13, Thanh My Commune) is one of the largest broiler chicken farming households in the area. Like other households, chickens have long been a regular livestock in his family. However, it wasn't until 2007 that he began expanding the scale of his farm, hatching chickens according to proper technical procedures on a large scale.

Currently, Mr. Son's family sells approximately 60,000 chicks and 5 tons of chicken meat to the market each year, equivalent to 2,000-3,000 chickens per year, generating an annual income of over 200 million VND. Regarding sales, Mr. Son shared: “Because this hill chicken breed has delicious, high-quality meat, many traders come directly to our farm to buy it. Government offices, especially nearby boarding kindergartens, also regularly order it to serve meals for the children. Of course, we still lack a stable, professional distribution channel like a supply contract or exporting our hill chicken products to other provinces or larger markets. But overall, the income is relatively stable because the area is now familiar with Thanh Chuong chicken, so the demand from local people is quite high.”

The chickens at Mr. Tran Cong Son's farm in Thanh My commune have reached market-ready status.

Based on his own experience raising chickens, Mr. Son observes that finding buyers for chickens is not difficult, as they are a very common food source in family meals and are also popular in restaurants. The biggest risk in chicken farming is disease. However, his family always applies clean farming practices, uses biological bedding, and ensures quality feed, so disease outbreaks are very rare. Currently, he is building an additional chicken coop with an area of ​​over 500m2, and expects to raise an additional 6,000-7,000 chickens after completion. Mr. Son is also an active member of the Executive Board of the Thanh Chuong Chicken Farming Association, so he has thoroughly researched the most effective ways to care for chickens.

The family of Mr. Dinh Van Thi (Hamlet 12, Thanh Huong Commune) raises Ri chickens, meaning that when they are ready for slaughter, they only reach a weight of 1.5 - 1.7 kg. This is a small breed of chicken with sweet, tender, and moderately chewy meat. Each year, his family raises over 1,400 chickens, bringing in a profit of 30 - 40 million VND per batch. This year, his family is one of 10 families in Thanh Chuong selected by the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center to pilot a bio-secure broiler chicken farming model. To be selected as a family to implement the model, they must have a standard-compliant farm system and an effective care process. At the end of May, he and 10 other households also received additional training on farming techniques and 200 chicks. He shared: "Raising chickens isn't too difficult, so expanding the farm and increasing the number of chickens doesn't pose much of a challenge. What worries me most is the market for the product. When the chickens are ready for market but no one buys them, it's a waste of feed and there's no source of income."

Building and developingthe "Thanh Chuong Chicken" brand

Recognizing the potential and advantages of the locality, and building upon the reputation of "Thanh Chuong Chicken," which has somewhat established a foothold in the market (albeit limited in scope), the Thanh Chuong District Party Committee, People's Council, and People's Committee have issued numerous resolutions, mechanisms, and policies to encourage and facilitate the development of livestock farming and household garden economy in general, and hill chicken farming in particular. In 2014, the project to develop livestock farming and build the "Thanh Chuong Chicken" brand was completed, divided into two smaller projects. Firstly, the project to build and develop the Thanh Chuong Chicken brand was approved by the provincial science council in December 2014 with a budget of 700 million VND. The dossier has been submitted to the Intellectual Property Office for brand recognition. Secondly, the investment project to develop "Thanh Chuong Chicken" has been completed and submitted to the Department of Planning and Investment for consideration by the Provincial People's Committee.

Regarding specific guidance for the development of chicken farming, continued support was provided to farmers in terms of breeds and farming techniques. For example, in 2014, three training courses were organized for 216 participants on free-range chicken farming techniques according to the "Thanh Chuong Chicken" standard. 10,400 purebred Ri chickens were supplied to households, which were then selected for breeding. Notably, a Chicken Farming Association was established (August 2014), starting with 35 members and now boasting 66 members across 20 communes. 40 out of 66 members have achieved high slaughter rates under the guidance of the association's farming practices and disease prevention and treatment guidelines. Currently, the total broiler chicken population in the district reaches 36,100 birds, with each household raising a minimum of 500 chickens.

Mr. Tran Cong Son (Hamlet 13, Thanh My Commune) introduces his broiler chicken farming model.

Comrade Phan Dinh Ha, Vice Chairman of the Thanh Chuong District People's Committee, affirmed: “Thanh Chuong has chosen hill chicken as its ‘main’ specialty for the locality and for the development of its agricultural economy, for two reasons. Firstly, in terms of potential and advantages: chickens have long been familiar livestock to the local people, and the natural conditions here are very suitable for raising chickens. But the first reason alone is not enough to boldly expand the scale of chicken farming; a second reason is needed: not only is it suitable for raising chickens, but the terrain of this midland region, with its relatively large area, completely allows for large-scale chicken farming. Another important factor ensuring the success and efficiency of the large-scale chicken farming model is the market for the product. Individuals have approached the district and local households to supply clean, delicious hill chickens to specialty restaurants. This is extremely significant for the success and efficiency of the project, as it is the final link in the chain.” "Together we can close the production and livestock chain."

Recognizing the importance of market access, the project's success is not simply about developing a chicken farming business; building the "Thanh Chuong Chicken" brand is a crucial factor. A recognized brand is the clearest guarantee for consumers in the market, and also serves as a benchmark that producers and farmers must strive to achieve and even surpass. Understanding this ensures a strong position in a market where consumer demands for quality are constantly increasing.

Thanh Chuong hill chickens have long been renowned for their delicious flavor.

"When guests come to the house, we slaughter a chicken" - that's a common saying among the people of Thanh Chuong. People often say that if you ever visit Thanh Chuong, you can't miss tasting the free-range chicken of this hospitable region, and you'll forever remember its very "countryside," very simple yet rich and heartfelt flavor. But what the people of Thanh Chuong are aiming for is something bigger and broader: to spread "Thanh Chuong Chicken" far and wide, reaching beyond simply "waiting" for guests to come to their homes before offering the chicken. Proactiveness, dynamism, and flexibility in grasping the trends of the times are essential mindsets for maintaining and developing the traditions and inherent strengths of the locality.

Thuc Anh - Phuong Thao