Hai Dang Fisheries Cooperative, operated by Mr. Nguyễn Văn Hiếu - Director of the cooperative, in Bút Sơn hamlet, Thanh Sơn commune, Kim Bảng district, Hà Nam province, has made a strong mark with its river-in-pond fish farming model. Each year, the cooperative supplies more than 100 tons of fish to the market, generating profits of VND 1-1.5 billion. With these outstanding contributions, Mr. Hiếu was honored to be selected as an Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer 2024.
THE JOURNEY OF OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
In 2020, Mr. Hiếu faced a major loss when he lost VND 600 million overnight due to a power outage, which caused the oxygen level in the water to drop suddenly. After this shock, he drew valuable lessons and took preventive measures to ensure the safety of the fish farming model.
Coming from a farming family in a low-lying rice-growing area, Mr. Hiếu has always had a passion for livestock and aquaculture. When the Hà Nam Department of Agriculture and Rural Development launched the “river-in-pond” fish farming model in late 2018, he boldly applied to participate, learned from successful models in Hải Dương, and then decided to invest.
Mr. Hiếu’s impressive fish-farming facility using river-in-pond technology is spacious and stretches along the foot of the mountain in Bút Sơn hamlet, Thanh Sơn commune, Kim Bảng district, Hà Nam province.
BREAKTHROUGH WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY
With VND 200 million in support from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and loans from friends and family, Mr. Hiếu renovated the pond system, built waterways, and installed a water regulation system. This model helps the cooperative effectively control water sources, fingerlings, and disease, ensuring aquaculture products meet safety standards.
The river-in-pond technology keeps fish moving continuously, like “working out at the gym,” helping them grow healthy and reducing disease. In addition, the cooperative has installed an automatic feeding system, which helps control feed quantities effectively, avoiding waste and water pollution.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATION
Recognizing the great potential of clean fish sources, Mr. Hiếu and the cooperative members have further invested in processing fish-based foods such as shredded fish floss, fish cakes, and braised fish under their own brand. This not only diversifies products but also increases commercial value.
Currently, Hai Dang Cooperative operates a river-in-pond fish farming model covering more than 10 hectares, with an output of over 100 tons per year and total annual revenue of more than VND 3 billion. The cooperative’s 4-star OCOP products are now available in many major distribution systems such as Vinmart, dealerships, and online sales channels.
TOWARD THE FUTURE
The cooperative is continuing to expand its farming scale, improve product quality, and develop more processed fish-based food lines. It is expected that market supply will grow by 5-10% annually.
Beyond economic efficiency, the cooperative also provides stable jobs for 10 local workers with an average income of more than VND 7 million per month. Local authorities highly value this model not only for its economic benefits but also for its ability to protect the environment and ensure the quality of clean food.
Mr. Nguyễn Văn Hiếu’s river-in-pond fish farming model is clear evidence of innovation in agriculture, helping enhance production value and promote sustainable development for Vietnam’s aquaculture sector.
Source: Lê Minh Tiến
Danviet.vn
