A new tilapia breed helps farmers in Nghe An province profit from earthen ponds.

Mr. Danh has 5 ponds with a total area of ​​nearly 4,000m², benefiting from an abundant water source from the Vach Bac canal. Previously, he only raised traditional freshwater fish species, resulting in modest income. Since the beginning of last year, he has spent time visiting and learning about tilapia farming models in Hai Phong and some farms in the region, then decided to invest in experimenting with the Hong Sinh tilapia breed — a new breed capable of high-density farming, large marketable weight, and suitable for earthen ponds and readily available local feed sources.

Mr. Danh shared: "Previously, I raised freshwater fish year-round, but the economic efficiency was negligible. After researching in Hai Phong and some large farms, I found that the Hong Sinh tilapia was suitable for the local soil, water, and food conditions, so I decided to try raising them."

In early 2025, with support from the Quynh Luu Agricultural Service Station regarding breeding stock, techniques, and specialized feed, he started a trial with 10,000 fingerlings. Besides industrial feed, he also utilized readily available water spinach and grass from his garden to reduce costs. After nearly half a year of care, the fish grew quickly, were less prone to disease, and achieved a survival rate of approximately 85%. The first harvest in July 2025 yielded nearly 4 tons of fish, each weighing between 1.5 and 2 kg.

With a selling price of 35,000 VND/kg, revenue reached over 100 million VND, resulting in a net profit of nearly 50 million VND after just half a year. “What reassures me most is the relatively stable market. Hong Sinh tilapia has thick, flavorful meat and is purchased directly from the pond by traders. Raising them isn't difficult; as long as you follow the correct procedures, the results are far superior to traditional fish farming,” Mr. Danh added.

According to the assessment of the Quynh Luu Agricultural Service Station, the pilot project showed that the fish grew quickly and uniformly, with a low mortality rate. On average, the fish reached 1 kg/each, with a total estimated yield of over 7 tons. After deducting expenses of nearly 200 million VND, the net profit reached approximately 45 million VND. Experts predict that if raised under favorable conditions, Hong Sinh tilapia could reach a weight of 4-5 kg/each.

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“Mr. Danh followed all the technical steps very well, from pond renovation, selecting breeds, stocking at a reasonable density to caring for and managing the environment. As a result, the fish grew steadily and had few diseases. This is a positive sign for replicating the model in areas with similar conditions.”

Mr. Nguyen Anh Hung, Head of the Quynh Luu Agricultural Service Station

The model of commercially raising tilapia in earthen ponds in Quynh Van commune shows that this is a promising new direction, especially in areas with stable water sources and farmers who already have experience in aquaculture. Mr. Danh's initial success is proof that, with the right technical conditions, breeding stock, and environmental management, farmers can completely increase production value and improve their income.

Of course, not every household succeeds from the start. Besides technical skills, farmers must also consider the risks of unpredictable weather and large temperature fluctuations between day and night, which can easily shock the fish and slow their growth. Therefore, experts recommend that success requires close support in technical procedures, disease prevention, and environmental management. In addition, numerous field trips and training sessions should be organized to help farmers gain practical experience before scaling up.

The initial success in Quynh Van commune has proven that, by applying the right procedures, farmers can completely increase their income from their own ponds and land in their hometowns.

Thanh Phuc