Putting aside the hectic work following the recent provincial merger, we returned to Phu Lang commune to immerse ourselves in the cage fish harvest on the Duong River.

The harvested carp weighs between 3 and 4 kg.

Resting after hauling up nets of red tilapia, Vu Van Chien, Director of Chien Thang Aquaculture Cooperative, shared excitedly: “This year’s favourable weather has helped the fish grow faster and yield higher. Prices are higher than the same time last year. Each cage can now bring in a profit of 50–60 million VND (1,911-2,294 USD). That’s a great motivation for us after last year’s blow from Typhoon Yagi. We hope the year-end harvest will also bring a good crop and good prices.”

Caring for red tilapia in the new crop at Doan Xuan Thuan’s household in Dai Lai commune.

As the largest cage fish farming area on the Duong River through Phu Lang commune, Chien Thang Aquaculture Cooperative has 15 member households operating 420 cages, specialising in raising red tilapia, Nile tilapia, crispy carp, black catfish, grass carp, and other high-value species.

Out of the 420 cages, about 140 are for red tilapia, with harvesting season from May to June (lunar calendar). So far, eight cages have been harvested, producing over 50 tonnes of fish, with a productivity increase over last year.

Fish cage farmers on the Duong River in Chi Nhi village, Dai Lai commune are hastily harvesting carp.

The joy of a “good production, good prices” is not limited to the north bank of the river but also spreads across to the south bank. Tran Van Vang, owner of 19 cages in Chi Nhi village, Dai Lai commune, was also seen busy hauling up crispy carp to sell to a local grower for the next fattening stage.

According to Nguyen Thanh Trung, Deputy Director of the provincial Sub-department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Fisheries, the section of the Duong River that flows through Bac Ninh province has favourable conditions for cage aquaculture, particularly its clean, abundant water and steady flow, supporting healthy fish growth and reducing disease risk.

Currently, the province has 2,793 fish cages, mostly located along the Duong River in Dai Lai, Cao Duc, and Phu Lang communes, and Mao Dien ward.

Many high-quality, high-value fish species are being intensively farmed, including hybrid carp, mono-sex tilapia, red tilapia, American catfish, sturgeon, and pangasius. Average yields range from 4 to 6 tonnes per cage, significantly higher than traditional pond farming.

Harvesting cage fish at Tran Van Vang’s household in Dai Lai commune.

In support of farmers, the provincial sub-department has actively provided guidance on developing specialty species suited to local conditions, offering access to quality fingerlings and updated farming techniques, and equipping farmers with disease prevention measures. Environmental monitoring and early warning services have been also provided to help farmers respond promptly to water quality issues.

As we left the Duong River along with the trucks loaded with fish heading in all directions under the midday sun, we carried with us not only the joy of a bountiful crop shared with the locals, but also the concerns of cage fish farmers as the flood season approaches.

Yet, above all, we felt deep admiration and respect for the resilience and dedication of these hard-working farmers—steadfast in their profession despite the challenges of nature and market volatility.

Vietnam ready to share OCOP development experience with global partners

Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha called on FAO and participating countries to join Vietnam in building a joint initiative endorsed by high-ranking leaders to ensure that the benefits of international agricultural cooperation directly reach all people, especially farmers.

 

Inter‑regional forum on OCOP: Advancing dynamic, distinctive agriculture

Co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the forum highlights Vietnam’s growing role as a global knowledge hub in rural development and local value chains.

 

Bac Ninh lychee harvest reaches record high, focuses on long-term development

BAC NINH - Bac Ninh province recorded a bumper lychee harvest in 2025 with production hitting an all-time high of over 210,000 tonnes, mainly concentrated in key lychee-growing communes and wards. 

Comprehensive solutions needed to increase value of fruit trees

The Northern Midlands and Mountainous region is one of Viet Nam’s key fruit production areas, covering nearly 272,000 hectares and accounting for approximately 21% of the country’s total fruit-growing area.

 

Viet Nam’s agriculture determined to achieve 65 billion USD export target

The agricultural sector’s export revenue reached 33.5 billion USD in the first half of 2025, up 14.3% over the same period last year. To fulfil the full-year target of 65 billion USD, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) has directed the whole sector to take bold measures and leverage market opportunities to accelerate exports in the final months of the year.

 

Bumper lychee harvest brings high incomes to Bac Ninh farmers

BAC NINH – For local farmers in Bac Ninh province, lychees are not only a sweet fruit but also a treasured “amulet” rooted in their love for the land and generations of hard work. This devotion has driven many growers to invest in improved cultivation techniques and meticulous care to enhance quality, resulting in premium prices and robust market demand. Each harvest season, numerous households earn profits reaching billions of VND – the sweet reward for their diligence and commitment.