New technology fish farming in cages in Tuong Duong.

(Baonghean.vn) - Taking advantage of the three reservoirs of the Ban Ve, Khe Bo, and Nam Non hydroelectric power plants, Tuong Duong district has recently implemented a new technology cage fish farming project on the reservoirs.

Local residents are raising fish in new cages on the lake.

Tuong Duong District has over 10,000 hectares of water surface area in the reservoirs of the three hydropower plants, Ban Ve, Khe Bo, and Nam Non, which is very favorable for aquaculture. In early 2016, implementing the province's agricultural development investment policy, Tuong Duong District launched a project to develop new technology cage fish farming in the reservoirs. Locals received 492 million VND in support to renovate 82 fish cages in the reservoirs, including 39 pilot cages applying the new technology in four communes: Xa Luong, Thach Giam, Tam Thai, Huu Khuong, and Tuong Duong town. Nearly 3,500 kg of fish fry were also provided to participating households.

New technology fish cages. Photo by Thanh Tung.

In a discussion with us about the advantages of the new cage fish farming model, Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh, Head of the District Agricultural Extension Station, said: Compared to conventional cage fish farming, the new cage farming model has the following advantages: The cages are placed in the lake, and can be easily moved regardless of the fluctuating water levels. The cages are made of HDPE plastic, which is highly durable, while the netting used is a special type that is lightweight and inexpensive. With its convenient design, an automatic feeding system can be installed, making it easier for farmers to feed their fish.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh also added: “The Agricultural Extension Station has provided training on new cage fish farming techniques on the lake. The minimum cage size is 4m in length and width, and 2m-2.5m in depth. The larger the cage, the faster the fish grow, with a minimum volume of over 15m³. According to the locals, cage fish farming is not difficult and they can utilize local feed.”

Mr. Lo Van Nguyen from Canh Trap village, one of the households that boldly implemented the model, couldn't hide his joy, saying, "With the district's support in building cages, providing fish fry, and capital, we also have the advantage of utilizing the water surface and feeding the fish with elephant ear grass and clean grass from the fields. The fish grow quickly; in about 6 months, they reach 2-2.5 kg."

Ms. Lo Thi Tra My, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Xa Luong commune, said: "Previously, there were 19 fish cages in the commune. Recently, with the support program for building new fish cages, the commune has encouraged 11 households to participate, and now the commune has 32 cages that bring economic benefits."

Although it is still in the testing phase and under development, practical testing over six months after stocking the hydroelectric reservoir in Tuong Duong district has shown that the fish are developing well, with an estimated average income of 25-30 million VND per cage per season.

May Huyen Vi Man

(Xiangyang Radio Station)