CHAPTER IV (Contd.)

B. VIENTIANE PREFECTURE

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Khoune

2. Location : Village : Nahae ; district : Sikhottabong

3. Main farming system : Seed production

4. General information : Mr. Khoune is an upper middle level farmer with 14 members in the family. He owned 0.8 ha rice field in the beginning and started fish culture in rice field in 1987 with 3200 sq m (2 plots), stocked with panin and panai. He harvested 50 kg of fish and found that fish culture got him more income for his family. In 1990 he acquired one more hectare, thus total area became 1.8 ha, which he converted from rice field into fish ponds. By 1992 he had 12 pond of different sizes as market fish and brood fish ponds, nursery and rearing ponds. From 1992 Mr. Khoun produced the seed of common carp, tilapia, mrigal and pa pak. The following production was obtained in 1992:

   • Market fish 1000 kg

   • Fish seed 30000 fry

   • Rice production 700 kg

   On the dikes of the ponds he also planted coconut, mango trees, papaya and vegetables. He also raised pigs over some ponds to get extra income.

5. Project monitoring activities : Mr. khoune was involved with the fishery extension technical team since last project (LAO/82/014). He continued cooperating with the project (LAO/89/003). In order to maintain the case study profile of this progressive farmer, the technical management team verified all basic data, visited and advised him regularly during construction of ponds in the new area, arrangement of the fish ponds and other technical aspects. He was provided supervision during seed production programme and rearing of the seed, stocking density adjustment, water quality checking etc.. In addition to technical assistance, the project also supplied some basic inputs such as hormone for fish breeding. In 1993 he produced 160,000 fry of common carp, tilapia, Indian carp, (mrigal) and pa pak, and sold market fish 1435 kg/0.545 ha/10 months (2633 kg/ha/10 months) of average size 0.3–0.5 kg adopting continuous harvesting and restocking system. He found that panai recorded good growth rate when compared to other species cultured in his farm.

6. economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Khoune was K 207,000 in 1988 of which K 192,000 from fish ; in 1989 the income was K 450,000 of which K 420,000 from 350 kg fish ; in 1990 the income was K 712,000 of which K 650,000 from 500 kg fish ; in 1991 the income was K 1,140,000 of which K 840,000 from 600 kg fish and K 80,000 from fish seed. In 1992 the income was K 2,170,000 of which K 1,500,000 from 1000 kg fish and K 300,000 from fish seed. And the income in 1993 was K 3,852,000.

7. Project comments : Mr. Khoune is sincere and hard-working though his educational level is limited, yet he maintained the records in proper form. He is gradually turning into mainly seed production. Practical advice is needed for him particularly on seed production ( nursery management, stocking density etc.), it seems that his stocking rates were always high, but he is following project's advice. He could become a model farmer on seed production and is always ready to serve as a change agent to other farmers in the area.

1. Name of farmer: Mr. Soutchai Vongdara

2. Location: Village : Nonkeo ; district : Sikhottabong

3. Main farming system: Rice-cum-Fish culture ; Integrated farming and seed production.

4. General information: Mr. Soutchai is an upper middle level farmer with 7 members in the family. He owns 1.5 ha land area. He started fish culture in 1984 with 2 ponds (800 sq m) as additional income for the family. He found that fish culture was getting him more profit and in 1988 he converted more land into fish ponds (area 1600 sq m). In 1989 he participated at the 3-day training course organized by project LAO/82/014. In 1990 he again constructed two more ponds (area 4000 sq m). The total fish pond area thus increased to 5600 sq m, which included 3 market ponds (also used as brood stock ponds) and 4 nursery ponds. In 1991–92 he bred common carp and tilapia for his own stocking, and the rest sold to neighbouring farmers. His farm is well integrated with livestock (chicken, duck) and alternate crops (vegetables, beans, cucumber, sweet corn etc). In surrounding land and on the embankments he also planted the fruit trees such as papaya, banana, jack-fruit and mango.

4.1    Production and income: Based on the data in 1992, the details of production are given below :

5. Project monitoring activities : For preparing the case study profile of the farmer, the technical management team first collected basic data in 1992. Mr. Soutchai again participated at the 3-day training course organized by the project to become a target farmer ; then project staff visited his farm about 2 times in a month on an average ; particularly during the breeding season he was regularly advised on selection of brood stocks, arrangement of the fish ponds and also water supply. On technical aspects, he was instructed during seed production programme and nursing/rearing of seed improving his management skill mainly about seed rearing practice to keep a check on over-stocking, water quality and any disease problem (which had not occurred so far). Likewi e, advice was given to him on keeping record of his activities such as expenditures and income aside from technical aspects. In addition to the technical assistance, project contributed some basic supplies to his farm as he is a potential future model farmer for the project such as :

   1.	Fish seed (fingerling for raising brood stock)	1400
   2.	Hormone for breeding	1 set
   3.	Chicken	100

   Mr. Soutchai was also advised to take up rice-cum-fish culture, and he started with 3200 sq m.

5.1     Experiment practices in 1993 :

1. Rice + fish culture in 3200 sq m. Two weeks after planting rice, he stocked 600 panin, 600 panai and 500 pa India (average size of 10 cm stocking density

   (5300/ha), in first week of Feb. 1993. The fish culture was continued even during second crop of rice (total 10 month duration). He harvested fish in December 1993 with total production of 700 kg, average size was between 400-600 g ; it seems that panai recorded faster growth when compared to other species. The survival was 83 %. Rice production in two crops was 1950 kg. The fish production worked out to 700 kg/0.32 ha/300 days (2187 kg/ha/300 days).

2. Integrated system : In 3200 sq m pond he stocked 1700 fingerlings of pa pak, pa nin and pa nai, with stocking size of 10 cm on an average (5300/ha stocking density). After 6 months he harvested 650 kg in total (2031 kg/ha/6 months) ; average size of fish harvested was 300–500 g. The survival rate was 86 %. The livestock production was 500 local chicken and 300 ducks.

3. Seed production : The seed production in 1993 was 40000 fry of pa nai and 20000 fry of pa nin. He also tried to breed pa India (mrigal) but not so successful, because the brood fish were poor in maturity condition.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Soutchai in 1984 was K 150,000 of which K 100,000 from fish. In 1988 the income was K 350,000 of which K 200,000 from fish ; 1991 the income was K 740,000 of which K 500,000 from fish ; 1992 the income was K 3,900,000 which included K 350,000 from rice + K 1,500,000 from fish (1000 kg) + K 800,000 fry + K 950,000 from livestock and K 300,000 from vegetables + fruits etc.. The income on 1993 was k 6,326,000 which included K 676,000 from rice + K 3,000,000 from fish (2000 kg) + K 600,000 from sale of fish seed and K 2,050,000 from livestock and vegetables.

7. Project comments : After over one year working with Mr. Soutchai, he is found very sincere and active in cooperating and sharing his experience with the project and other farmers. Now he has become real-contact/model farmer; he can be an adviser on integrated farming to other farmers who are interested in integrated fish culture. He appears qualified to work as a ‘change agent’ for aquaculture development in the area and deserves more assistance on technical aspects.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. On Inthilatvongsy

2. Location : Village : Thong Pong ; district : Sikhottabong

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-Fish culture + Pond Fish Culture.

4. General information: Mr. On is a medium farmer with 7 members in the family and have a good educational level (formerly a teacher). He owns agriculture land 2.9 ha and divided into 4800 sq m rice-cum-fish area, 3200 sq m fish pond, the rest is rice field and vegetable garden etc.

   He started pond fish culture in 1988 in 1600 sq m area and stocked with panin and got production of 150 kg. In 1991 he was assisted by the technical staff of the extension unit of livestock department, by modifying species ratios, stocking density and pond management and the production increased to 200 kg. In 1992 he expanded the area for doing rice-cum-fish culture to 4800 sq m, stocked fry of panai, panin pa India (mrigal) and got production of 400 kg fish altogether from the pond (0.32 ha) and also from rice field (0.48 ha). In the same year he also tried to breed common carp in the pond successfully and got about 10,000 fingerlings.

5. Project monitoring activities : For the case study purposes, the technical management team visited his farm to collect the basic information, and later regularly visited about 1–2 times in a month to advise him on proper technique of fish culture and instructed him on record keeping. In February, 1993 he participated at a 3-day training on fish culture by the project at Sikhottabong district. Later, he signed the agreement with the project to become a target farmer of the project. In addition to technical assistance, project supplied him 2 piglets for integration with fish culture. He stocked 1560 fingerlings of panai, 1,200 panin and 1070 papak into the 3200 sq m pond during 1993, then let these into the 4800 sq m rice field, which was connected to the pond. The stocking density worked out to 2830/0.8 ha (about 3500/ha).

5.1    Production result: After 7 months (in 2 crops of rice) of culture panai attained 800 g, panin 200 g, papak 200 g size. He harvested the large sized fish to reduce the stocking density. The total production up to January 1994 was 600 kg of fish, and expected about 200 kg still remaining in the pond. The total production worked out to 800 kg/0.8 ha/210 days (1000 kg/ha/210 days) and the survival rate was 68.7 %. The rice production from the same area was 1600 kg. During the visit in January 1994, Mr. On observed that through fish culture he was getting more income, so he converted his rice field (4800 sq m) into fish pond and changed the practice from rice-cum-fish culture into integrated fish livestock and fish seed production systems. The technical team agreed to his idea, but cautioned him not to go fast, he should gradually change and gain first more experience and confidence.

In the year 1993 he could produced 30,000 fingerlings of panai and panin.

6. Economic evaluation: The total annual income of Mr. On was K 320,000 in 1990 of which K 120,000 was from 150 kg fish. The income in 1991 was K 460,000 of which K 200,000 from 200 kg of fish. In 1992 the income was K 1,040,000 which included K 240,000 from rice + K 500,000 from 500 kg market fish + K 200,000 from sale of 20,000 tilapia fingerlings and K 100,000 from livestock. The income in 1993 was K 2,521,500 which included K 162,500 from rice + K 1,500,000 from fish (800 kg) + K 300,000 from sale of 30,000 fingerlings + K 109,000 from livestock and K 450,000 from other sources.

7. Project comments: Mr. On is a good, intelligent, educated farmer, and progressing well in his activities. The following comments were given by the project to assist him to become a model farmer in the future.

   1. Stocking density should be managed and reduced, and control over breeding of panin, for better growth rate.

   2. Nursing of fry to be properly organized, if he liked to take up breeding of different species.

   3. The livestock (pig sty + chicken house) should be located away from the house or constructed on the pond dykes, to improve the hygienic condition for the family.

   It is expected that he would serve as a model farmer for rice-cum-fish culture.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Boungnang Bouttavong

2. Location : Village : Nong Teng ; district : Sikhottabong

3. Main farming system : Rice fish and Pond fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Boungnang is a medium level farmer with 4 families staying together and having 30 members in the family in all. Main source income is from rice cultivation and livestock raising. He owns 4.5 ha area of which 6400 sq m fish pond and 1600 sq m for rice + fish culture. He started fish culture in 1988 with 800 sq m pond and stocked with 800 fry of tilapia and common carp, the production was 100 kg. In 1991 he was advised by the staff from Nong Teng fish farm ; he expanded the pond area up to 6400 Sq m, and got the production of about 700 kg. He used the method of continuous harvesting and allowed the tilapia to breed continuously in the pond which caused the problem of over population and slow growth of the fish.

5. Project monitoring activities: In 1992 the project survey team visited his farm for collecting the information for preparing his case study profile. He was advised on proper management of his farm, reducing stocking density, manuring the pond and suggested him to do the experiment on deep water rice + fish culture in 3200 sq m area. Later he participated in the 3-day training course organized by the project in February 1993, and he signed agreement with the project to become a target farmer on rice-cum-fish culture system. The project supplied him 1700 fingerlings of panai, papak and pa India to stock in the 3200 sq m rice field plus 2 piglets raised over the rice field.

5.1    Production: Rice production from 3200 sq m area was 560 kg, pigs grew to about 80 kg each and were sold at the price of 208,000 kips, but fish still not harvested fully. Only 20 kg were taken out, the rest were harvested in April 1994 at the same time with the second crop of rice grown in the adjoining paddy field (which is connected to this field). In January, 1994 he agreed to give one pond 1600 sq m area for technology testing on integrated fish + livestock, under the supervision of the project.

6. Economic evaluation: The total annual income of Mr. Boungnang was K 390,000 in 1991 which included K 240,000 from 300 kg of fish. The income in 1992 was K 700,000 of which K 500,000 from 500 kg of fish. The income in 1993 was K 2,4416,500 which included K 560,000 from rice, 2,002,500 kips from 1335 kg of fish and K 358,000 from livestock.

7. Project comments: Mr. Boungnang is a good and sincere farmer. He will be a good model farmer if he modified his traditional practice to scientific management by controlling fish population in his ponds and rearranging the species composition to achieve better production. He may be able to demonstrate both pond fish culture and deep-water paddy + fish culture successfully to other farmers.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Seng

2. Location : Village : Nong Neo ; district : Sikhottabong

3. Main farming system : Integrated fish + Livestock

4. General information : Mr. Seng is a poor farmer with 5 members in the family, his main family income is coming from rice production in 1.8 ha rice field about 3 tonnes/year, and 50 kg of fish from 600 sq m pond and others such as livestock and vegetable about 100,000 kips/year. He started fish culture since 1989. Tilapia and common carp were main cultured species.

5. Project's monitoring activities : The survey team of the project visited Mr. Seng family in May, 1992 and collected the above information. Mr. Seng also participated in a 3-day training course on basic technique of fish culture organized by the project. Later the team visited him 1–2 times in a month. He has shown interest in participating and cooperating with the project. He signed the agreement for working under the supervision of the project as a target farmer on small scale integrated fish + livestock production at a poor family level. He was advised on general management of integrated production system. Along with technical advice he also received some basic inputs from the project such as 1500 fish fry and 2 piglets.

5.1    Production achievement (1993) : After over 7 months of culture he could get 50 kg of fish plus 20 kg of snakehead, which came to the pond during the heavy rains, and about 30 kg of fish still remaining in the pond. The total production was 80 kg/0.06 ha/180 days (1333kg/ha/180 days), with the survival rate of 33.3 %. The average growth of panin was 300 g and better than other species. The pig production was 90 kg (the local pig was 30 kg only).

During the visit in January, 1994 it was noted that Mr. Seng also started rice-cum-fish culture in 3200 sq m area. He was advised on proper preparation of trench and providing a 2 × 1 × 0.8 m pit/collecting box in deeper corner of the rice field, and manuring and stocking with bigger size fingerlings, because duration of culture would be only 3 months.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Seng was K 175,000 in 1991 which K 15,000 from 15 kg of fish. The income in 1992 was K 420,000 included K 250,000 from rice, K 120,000 from 100 kg of fish and K 50,000 from livestock and vegetable. The income in 1993 was K 909,400 included K 150,000 from 150 kg of fish, K 486,400 from rice, and K 273,000 from livestock (2 pigs + chicken) and vegetable growing.

7. Project comments : Mr. Seng is a good farmer, but his experience is still poor, and needs regular advice. He has shown interest in doing fish culture but the progress is slow and it will take some more time to improve his performance as a target farmer.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Phimphone Vilaiphanh.

2. Location : Village : Pakthang ; district : Sikhottabong

3. Main farming system : Rice + fish culture and integrated with livestock

4. General information : Mr. Phimphone is a medium farmer with 4 members in the family ; he has 4 ha of rice field. Before 1992 he cultivated only rice, two crops per year, with the production of about 13 tonnes/year. His field is well irrigated with water supply from canal. In 1992 he stopped one season rice cultivation and started preparation of the field for culture of fish along with rice (rice-fish culture) by making 2 × 0.8 m trench around the field and 5 × 10 m pond before the technical survey team visited his farm. Mr. Phimphone invested over 8 million kips for preparing the field, pig-house, chicken house, purchased water pump, generator and fencing, and about 2 million on production inputs like feed, piglets, chicken and labour.

5. Project's monitoring activities : In 1992 the survey team of the project visited his farm and collected the above informations, later visited about 2 times in a month. Advise on stocking management, manuring, feeding and general technique of fish culture in rice field and some technique of integrated farming system as per his request. In 1993 Mr. Phimphone participated at a 3-day training course organized by the project. After that he signed the agreement with the project to be a target farmer and developed his farm as a demonstration site for the project on Rice-cum-Fish culture, integrated livestock (duck). In addition to technical assistance he also received some basic inputs from the project such as 500 ducks, 3000 tilapia, 5000 common carp, 2000 pa India and 2000 papak (3cm size) advanced fry.

5.1    Production in 1993:

1. Duck production : Duck farming was in good condition. After 8 months of rearing they could grow to 1.5 kg on an average but survival was 68 %, because the ducklings died during the first week of introduction.

2. Fish production : It was unlucky, the farm was flooded in September 1993, over 70 percent of the culture fish escaped (estimate). In January 1994, he harvested 134 kg of market fish of different species, with average size of 300 g panin, papak, 400 g panai and 100 g pa India (mrigal). In addition to the above production, he also sold the fingerlings of panin and panai (natural breeding in field) more than 1000 and about 200 kg of fish were still there for marketing purposes.

   One time, the project's team advised him to sell as much of fingerling of panin as possible which were observed in the field and try to use the trench/canal, where the water was still deep enough for culture of selected good size of panin and panai to market size partitioning the canal/trench. If he culture fish from February to May, 94 he could get more production of fish from the same area. He agreed to follow this advice.

3. Rice production : The rice crop was completely lost during the flood. But after flooding was over, he gave the field to his friend to cultivate the rice crop and they could harvest about 7 tonnes, and he got only 30% of the production. In fact the fish culture activity compensated to some extent his complete loss of fish and rice crop.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Phimphone was K 2,500,000 included rice K 2,000,000 (13 tonnes) and K 50,000 from livestock. The income in 1993 was K 2,161.000 kips included K 960,000 from 12 tonnes (dry season rice crop), K 490,000 from 4.9 tonnes rice (rainy season), K 201,000 from the fish and K 510,000 from the livestock.

7. Project comments : Mr. Phimphone is a good farmer, sincere, hard-working and well-educated. He could become a contact/ target/model farmer on rice-cum-fish integrated with livestock production, if he slightly modified his field, either to rearrange the same field into may plots or convert some of the field area into fish ponds. He could also become a fingerling producer to supply fingerlings to other farmers. The fish species selection should be readjusted according to the experience in the last year and stocking density must be reduced, stocking size should be increased to fingerling size (10 cm). His case is that of over-enthusiasm without consulting the project team on fish culture activities in time. However, he is a promising farmer willing to share his experience with other farmers.

   Remarks : The remaining fish in his field was harvested in May 1994 with the total weight of 270 kg and sold K 1,500/kg, (thus he got additional income of K 405,000).

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Bounluang Vongdara

2. Location : Village : NongPanai ; district : Sikhottabong

3. Main farming system : Pond culture, Rice + fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Bounluang is a medium farmer with 10 members in the family. The main source of income for family is coming from rice cultivations, livestock raising and fish culture. The rice production in 2 crops about 14 tonnes/year. He owns 3.9 ha rice field, fish pond 3200 sq m. He started fish culture in 1989 under the technical advice of Mr. Khoun. He stocked his pond with panai and panin and the production was about 20 kg in the beginning.

5. Project's monitoring activities : In 1992, the project survey team visited his farm and collected the above informations for preparation of case study and advised him on basic technique of fish culture. In 1993 he participated in a 3-day training course on fish culture organized by the project in Sikhottabong district. Mr. Bounluang signed agreement with the project to be a target farmer on rice + fish and integrated fish + livestock. He started with 8000 sq m rice field and stocked it with 4,000 fry of panai + panin + pa India (mrigal). He separately stocked it with 100 ducks and 2 pigs.

5.1    Production : After culture for about 3 months, the rice field was flooded and over 80 % of the fish from the rice field escaped and the rice crop had to be replanted. He could harvest about 50 kg fish from the rice field. Production was 50 kg/0.8 ha (62.5 kg/ha/180 days).

The average size 500 g Panai, 300 g panin and 200 g pa India. The rice production from the second planting was 1600 kg. The production from the pond was 200 kg/0.32 ha (628 kg/ha/180 days). The survival rate was 30 %. Duck production was very low because the survival was only 20 %. Only 30 kg of ducks were sold.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Bounluang was K 660,000 in 1991 which included K 80,000 from the fish. The income in 1992 was K 170,000 of which K 200,000 from the fish. His income in 1993 was K 1,510,000 included K 150,000 from 100 kg of fish, K 1,300,000 from rice and K 60,000 from livestock raising.

7. Project's comments : Mr. Bounluang is a good farmer, hard working. He can be considered as a progressive farmer. He is required to improve the present practice by readjusting stocking ratio of species and density, and repair again the dikes of the field for rice + fish culture. During the visit in January 1994, his wife informed that in this year they will continued to culture fish in rice field and pond and also start seed production of common carp as an additional activity. She requested project's technical assistance during the breeding programme.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Keung Phommalay

2. Location : Village : Bonangoa ; district : Chanthabury

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-Fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Keung is a medium farmer with 4 members in the family. He owns 15,000 Sq m rice field where he cultivated 2 crops of rice/year. Average production of rice is about 4 tonnes/year. The main income is from rice and livestock raising plus vegetable cultivation. He started fish culture in 1989 with 200 Sq m pond stocked with 800 fry of common carp and tilapia and got the production of 60 kg. In 1991, he prepared the rice field for rice + fish culture in 4800 Sq m area and stocked with 3000 fry of the above species (stocking density 6250/ha) and could harvest 100 kg of fish. In 1992 he practised the same and could sell 200 kg of market fish and 12000 fingerlings of tilapia.

5. Project monitoring activities : The project survey team visited his farm and collected the above information for case study preparation. He was advised on proper management for rice-cum-fish culture, particularly on species selection and stocking density, manuring of the field, etc.. Mr. Keung participated in a 3-day training course organized by the project in 1993. Then our technical team visited him regularly about 1–2 times/month, he also received 2 piglets and 3000 fry of different species from the project along with regular technical assistance. The stocking density was 6250 fry/ha.

5.1    Production in 1993 : Mr. Keung used the method of continuous harvesting. Up to January 1994 he could sell 400 kg of fish and he estimates about 200 kg of fish still remaining in the pond (1250 kg/ha/180 days) and the survival rate was 67.5%. The total rice production was 4100 kg., 1440 kg from the area (4800 Sq m) under rice-cum-fish culture.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Keung was K 120,000 in 1989 which included K 30,000 from the fish. In 1990 the income was K 265,000 which included K 80,000 from fish. In 1991 the income was K 365,000 of which K 100,000 from fish. The income of 1992 was K 920,000 which included K 300,000 from market fish + K 120,000 from selling 12000 tilapia fingerlings. The income in 1993 was K 894,000 which included K 144,000 from rice + K 600,000 from 400 kg of fish and K 150,000 from sale of Livestock and vegetables.

7. Project comments : Mr. Keung is a good and hard working farmer, he has more experience on rice-cum-fish culture. He further reported that 5 farmers from the neighbouring village visited his farm and asked for his assistance. It appeared that he was willing to share his experience with other farmers. That is the aim of the project. However, the project assistance must continue to advise him on better management and try to modify the stocking rate so as to control over-population in the pond.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. BounPheng Oumalay

2. Location : Village : Bonangoa ; district : Chanthabury

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-Fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Boun Pheng is a poor farmer with 4 members in the family. He owns 9360 Sq m rice field area with a small pond 3 × 20 m (60 Sq m). The main family income comes from rice cultivation, livestock raising and fish culture. Total rice production is 13 tonnes per year ( 2 crops). He started fish culture in 1988 after participating in a 3 month training course on fishery organized by project LAO/82/014 in the small pond stocked with tilapia (Panin) and common carp (Panai). In 1990 he prepared his rice field 1360 Sq m area by digging trench on 2 sides of the field and a pit (2 × 2 × 0.8m) at one corner, and stocked 1500 Panin and Panai fingerlings. He harvested 120 kg of fish.

5. Project monitoring activities : The project team visited his farm in 1993 and collected the above information. Mr. Boun Pheng again participated in a 3-day training organized by the project, and he shared his experiences during the training. Later he signed the agreement to become a target farmer. Under the supervision of the project on rice-cum-fish culture in an area of 1965 Sq m, he stocked 1100 fry of common carp, Puntius gonionotus (Papak) and Tilapia on 25/7/93 (stocking density 5,589/ha) after 15 days of planting the rice in the field. On the embankment of the field he also constructed sheds for raising chicken and 2 pigs.

5.1    Production : He harvested 130 kg of fish from the rice field, the average size was 150–300 g with the survival rate of 48 %, but about 200 of tilapia (estimated still remaining in the pond) which he would re-stock into the rice field during cultivation of dry season rice crop. The rice production was 580 kg from the area of 1965 sq m (2,951.6 kg/ha).

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Boun Pheng was K 280,000 in 1991 which included K 100,000 from rice + K 88,000 from fish and K 100,000 from livestock and vegetables. The 1992 income was K 805,000 which included K 250,000 from rice + K 120,000 from fish and K 435,000 from livestock and vegetables. The 1993 income was K 488,000 kips which included K 195,000 from rice + K 195,000 from 130 kg fish and K 100,000 from sale of livestock and vegetables.

7. Project comments : Mr. Boun Pheng is a progressive farmer who can be developed as a model farmer on rice-cum-fish culture. He has a good attitude, willing to learn and share his experiences with others.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamsouane

2. Location : Village : Ban Bonangoa ; district : Chanthabury

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Khamsouane is a poor farmer with 11 members in the family. He owns 1.8 ha rice field where he cultivated 2 crops of rice in a year. The average production was 4 tonnes of rice/year, which is the main source of income for the family plus vegetable cultivation. He started fish culture in the rice field in 1988 with 3200 sq m and stocked with panin and panai (1500 fingerlings) and got a production of 50 kg fish. He continued the same practice in 1991–1992. The production was 30 and 50 kg fish respectively.

5. Project's monitoring activities : The project survey team visited him in 1992 and collected the above information. He showed interest in fish culture. In 1993 he participated in a 3-day training course on fish culture organized by the project. Later, the project technical team visited him and advised particularly on rice-cum-fish culture technique.

   In addition to technical assistance, he also received some basic inputs from the project such as 1300 fry of common carp, tilapia and mrigal for stocking in his rice-field.

5.1    Production in 1993 : After 2 months of cultivation his rice-field was flooded due to unusual heavy rain and over 90 % of the stocked fish were feared to have escaped, and the rice crop was also completely destroyed by flood. The rice crop was replanted and he harvested 1800 kg of rice also from 3200 sq m only 30 kg of fish.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Khamsouane was K 230,000 in 1991 included K 30,000 from the fish, K 150,000 from rice and K 50,000 from livestock and vegetable. The income in 1993 was K 500,000 which included K 50,000 kips from fish, K 400,000 from rice and K 50,000 from vegetable. In 1993 the income was K 489,000 which included K 400,000 from rice in 1.8 ha, K 39,000 from the fish and K 500,000 from vegetable.

7. Project's comments : Mr. Khamsouane is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He will continue doing rice-fish culture, although, last year was unsuccessful due to flooding. He is a progressive farmer ready to share his experiences with other farmers in the area, particularly on rice-cum-fish culture.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Somvang (village chief)

2. Location : Village : Bonangoa ; district : Chanthabury

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Somvang is a medium farmer with 10 members in the family. The main family income is from rice cultivation and livestock raising ; he owns 1.5 ha rice field with production of about 5 tonnes/year from 2 crops of rice.

5. Project's monitoring activities : In 1992 the project survey team visited ban Bonangoa, Mr somvang was the main contact person being the chief of the village. He showed interest in fish culture but he didn't have any good pond. The project technical team advised him to do rice-cum-fish culture, later he participated in a 3-day training course on fish culture in 1993 and started preparing his rice field for stocking the fish. The project provided him 1200 fry of common carp, Puntius gonionotus and mrigal (Indian carp) for stocking in 3200 sq m rice field. The project technical team regularly visited and advised him on post-stocking management.

5.1    Production : After 2 months of culture, the rice field was flooded due to unusual heavy rainfall, over 90 % of the fish escaped, the rice crop also completely destroyed and he had to replant the rice and got a production of 950 kg of rice and 20 kg of fish from the area of 3200 sq m.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Somvang was K 565,000 in 1992 which included K 40,000 from fish, K 500,000 from rice and K 25,000 from livestock and vegetable. The income in 1993 was K 506,000 which included K 450,000 from rice, K 26,000 from 20 kg of fish and K 30,000 from livestock.

7. Project's comments : Mr. Somvang is a good farmer, but his experience is still limited, needs further assistance from technical point of view. He can be a model farmer in the future if he slightly modify the fish culture practices and follow the technical advice of the project more carefully.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Boungnong

2. Location : Village : NonTae ; district : Xaythany

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Boungnong is a medium farmer with 5 members in the family. He practised rice cultivation in an area of 2.5 ha and in 0.09 ha of fish pond which is adjacent to the rice field, and has 0.5 ha area for vegetable crops, particularly in dry season. In 1989 after receipt of fish culture training under the project LAO/82/014, he started fish culture in rice field. He could produce 200 kg fish and 6000 kg of rice in the above area. The fish species were tilapia and common carp. Stocking density was about 1160/ha (3000 fish). In 1990–92 he continued the same practice, the production varied from 150– 200 kg fish/crop. He stocked the pond + rice field with 2.5 cm fry and cultured only for 3 months because of water problem as there is no other source of water supply except rain water.

5. Project activities : In May 1992 the project survey team visited his farm for collecting the above informations and found that Mr. Boungnong was very much interested to improve his farming practice in doing rice-cum-fish culture. He again participated in a 3-day training in general fish culture organized by the project LAO/89/003 in January 1993. He was instructed to upgrade the field by raising the embankment, digging the trench in the rice field, manure the pond and rice field and stock with fingerlings. The project also supplied him 6000 fish seed (stocking density 2400/ha) average size about 5 cm (panai 3000, panin 1000, pa India 1000 and papak 1000), and stocked on 20.06.93. After 3 months of stocking, the rice field was getting dried up, so all the fish were shifted to the 900 sq m pond, some bigger fishes were marketted to reduce the density. After about one month, the pond was also going to dry, so on 10/10/93 he harvested all the fish completely and got 370 kg fish and 4800 kg of rice. The production worked out to 148 kg (1920 kg/ha/170 days). The average harvested size of the fish was … and survival was 44.2 %.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Boungnong was K 310,000 which included K 100,000 from fish in 1989. In 1990 the income was K 400,000 which included K 90,000 from fish. The income in 1991 was K 490,000 of which K 160,000 from fish. The income in 1992 was K 1,080,000 which included K 700,000 from rice + K 250,000 from fish and K 130,000 from livestock and vegetables. The income in 1993 was K 1,111,000 which included K 480,000 from rice, K 481,000 from fish and K 150,000 from vegetables and livestock.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamfong

2. Location : Village : Nontae ; district : Xaythany.

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Khamfong is a poor farmer with 5 members in the family. He owns 3 ha land, which is divided into 1.5 ha of rice field and 1.5 ha vegetable garden and fruit trees. The production of rice about 3200 kg/ ha/year and the additional income comes from vegetables and fruits plus livestock raising which is only about K 40,000/ year.

5. Project's monitoring activities : The technical team of the project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in May 1992 when the above general informations were collected. He was interested in fish culture and participated at the 3-day training course organized by the project in January 1993. The project supervised preparation of his rice field having an area of 1.5 ha and supplied 1700 fry of tilapia, common carp, Puntius gonionotus and Indian carp (mrigal), average stocking size was 3 cm (stocking density was 1133/ha). After about 2 months of cultivation the field was flooded, over 90 % of the stocked fish were estimated to have escaped, and the rice was also damaged which he replanted and got the production of 2800 kg rice along with 25 kg of fish. The average size of fish varied between 150–200 g with common carp showing better growth followed by tilapia.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Khamfong was K 380,000 in 1992 which included K 300,000 from rice, K 50,000 from 50 kg of fish and K 30,000 from vegetable and livestock. The income in 1993 was K 425,000 which included K 250,000 from rice, K 45,000 from 30 kg of fish and K 130,000 from livestock and vegetable growing.

7. Project's comments : Mr. Khamfong showed some interest in the beginning, but later is not progressive well in work. He seems to lack interest and drive and does not keep any records properly. However, the project shall continue to assist him and watch his progress so that he may improve his performance in future as a target farmer.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Somboun

2. Location : Village : Nontae ; district : Xaythany.

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Somboun is an upper middle-income group farmer with 8 members in the family. He practiced rice cultivation in an area of 3 ha, average rice production was about 7–8000 kg/year. He started fish culture in 1991 with 500 sq m pond, stocked with tilapia and common carp 2800 fry (traditional culture practice), the production was only 20 kg. He continued the same practice in 1992 and got a production of 50 kg of fish.

5. Project's monitoring activities : In May 1992 the project survey team visited his farm, advised on proper management offish culture such as stocking density, species stocking, manuring and feeding etc.. In January 1993, he participated in a 3-day training programme on basic fish culture organized by the project. After that the technical team of the project visited and advised him about the preparation of rice field for fish culture. However, he used his own ideas and took loan to construct some wide trenches in the rice field without consultation with the project. However, this showed his interest but also impatience in designing the drainage which was inadequate so the rice crop planted was not suited for deep water cultivation and this gave poor yield. He was supplied fish seed by the project different species such as papak 1000, panai 5000, panin 3600 and pa India 1000 (total 10600). Stocking density was 3464/ha with average size of 3–5 cm for stocking in the pond which were later released in the 3 ha rice field.

   The fish harvest so far up to January 1994 was 600 kg and it is expected that about 200 kg are still there for future harvest. The production can be roughly estimated 262.3 kg/ ha/180 days. The rice production was 600 kg only due to heavy flooding.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Somboun was K 470,000 in 1991 which included K 20,000 from the fish. The income in 1992 was K 1,000,000 which included K 50,000 from fish. His income in 1993 was K 1,136,000 which included K 900,000 from the fish, K 60,000 from rice and K 170,000 from livestock and vegetable + fruits.

7. Project's comments : Mr. Somboun is a sincere and hardworking farmer. He would be a model farmer if he could slightly modify his practice and follow the advice of the project's technical team. Also, modify the rice field properly and cultivate the deep-water paddy variety and stock with bigger size of fish (fingerlings) and reduce the stocking density.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Somnuck

2. Location : Village : Nontae ; district : Xaythany

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Somnuck is a medium farmer with 4 members in the family. He has 3.5 ha rice field which is the main source of income for his family, the rice production is about 8 tonnes/year, plus 50 kg of fish from 3200 sq m pond which was stocked mainly with Tilapia and the pond had wild fish species as well. He has additional from livestock and vegetable growing.

5. Project's monitoring activities : The project survey team visited him and collected the above information. He participated in a 3-day training course on basic technique of fish culture organized by the project in January 1993. He signed the agreement to become a Target Farmer of the project. He was advised by the project on rice-cum-fish culture in the area of 8600 Sq m of rice field plus 3200 sq m pond integrated with livestock (pig). Mr. Somnuck also received 4300 fry of Panin, Panai, Papak and Pa India for stocking in the rice field and pond and 2 pigs from the project.

5.1    Production : The rice field was flooded and most of the fish escaped, the rest were stocked in the pond. By January 1994 he harvested only 30 kg of the cultivated fish and 12 kg of wild fish. He expects about 100 kg fish still remaining in the pond. The production can be roughly estimated as 181 kg/ha/180 days. The pigs did not grow well particularly due to insufficient supply of feed. Fish survival 30 % ; average size 150–600 g.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Somnuck was K 416,000 in 1991 of which K 160,000 was from 160 kg fish. His income in 1992 was K 890,000 included K 800,000 from rice, K 50,000 from 50 kg fish and K 40,000 from others. The income in 1993 was K 904,600 included K 660,000 from rice, K 184,600 from 142 kg fish and K 60,000 from livestock and vegetable growing.

7. Project comments : It is observed that the performance of Mr. Somnuck in fish culture was not very encouraging. He may even drop out from the Target Farmers list, but the project is still trying to improve his performance.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Kean

2. Location : Village : Nontae : district : Xaythany

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Kean is a medium farmer with 8 members in the family. The main source of income comes from rice cultivation about 3.5 tonnes/year from 1.5 ha rice field, and vegetable plus livestock raising. He started fish culture in 1989 in 800 sq m pond stocked with tilapia and local fish, the production was about 30 kg/year. He has 3200 sq m rice field which can be prepared for rice-cum-fish culture.

5. Project's monitoring activities : He was visited by the project team during May 1992. He also participated at the 3-day training course on fish culture organized by the project. He signed the agreement to become a target farmer of the project. He was advised to do rice-cum-fish culture. Project supplied him 2800 fry of different species to stock in the 3200 sq m rice field and 8000 sq m pond, but unluckily after 2 months of culture the field was flooded and over 80 % of the fish were estimated to have escaped. He could harvest only 25 kg fish ( average size 150 to 200 g), particularly panin recorded better growth.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Kean was K 238,000 which included K 8,000 from fish. His income in 1992 was K 480,000 which included K 350,000 from rice, K 30,000 from 25 kg fish and K 100,000 from others. The income in 1993 was K 495,000 which included K 350,000 from rice, K 25.000 from fish and K 120,000 from livestock and vegetable growing.

7. Project's comments : Mr. Kean is good and hard working. He should try fish culture for one more year to get the experience. We expect that he can become a progressive farmer.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. SomPhieng

2. Location : Village : Nontae ; district : Xaythany

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. SomPhieng is a medium farmer with 5 members in the family. He has 2.5 ha rice field and 800 Sq m pond. He started fish culture in 1991, stocked with 1200 of fry of common carp and tilapia and got production of 50 kg, and in 1992 he got about 100 kg of fish from the same pond. The rice production was 400 kg/crop (rainy season only).

5. Project activities : In May 1992, the survey team of the project visited his farm, and collected the background information about his activities and advised on aquaculture techniques, particularly on proper stocking density, manuring and feeding with cheap feed locally available. Mr. SomPhieng also participated in a 3-day training programme on basic fish culture techniques organized by the project in January 1993 and he started preparation of his 2.5 ha rice field, raised the rice field embankments and stocked 5000 fry of different species (Pa pak, Pa nai, Pa nin and Pa India) into the 800 sq m pond initially and later released them into the rice field 15 days after plantation of the paddy. Unfortunately, after 2 months of stocking the field was getting dried up so the fishes were then transferred to the pond and some larger fishes were sold out. The production was 240 kg, average growth was 100– 180 g, Pa nai and Pa nin showed better grow rate. It is expected that about 50 kg fish are still remaining in the pond and the production can be roughly estimated as 1124 kg/ha/180 days.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Somphieng was K 240,000 of which K 40,000 from 40 kg fish. His income in 1992 was K 550.000 included K 400,000 from rice, K 100,000 from 100 kg fish and K 50,000 from livestock. The income in 1993 was K 752,000 included K 312,000 from 240 kg of fish, K 390,000 from rice and K 50,000 from vegetable growing and livestock raising.

7. Project comments : Mr. Somphieng is a good farmer but he needs more experience on rice-cum-fish culture. In 1993 he faced the problem about the water shortage in the rice field, so the technique of fish culture could not be tested properly. However, he stated that fish culture was profitable and would continue it with better management.

1. Name of farmer : Mr. Thone

2. Location : Village : Nontae ; district : Xaythany

3. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture

4. General information : Mr. Thone is a medium farmer with 5 members in the family. He has 5 ha total area, divided into 3.5 ha as rice field, 0.8 ha rice + fish culture, 0.06 ha of pond and the rest for vegetable garden. He started fish culture in 1992 in 600 sq m pond stocked with 2500 fry of tilapia and common carps and got the production of 30 kg fish. The rice production in 1992 was 7000 kg.

5. Project activities : In 1992 the project survey team visited his farm and collected the above information for case study. Later the project advised him the technology of fish culture including preparation of the rice field for rice + fish culture. In 1993 Mr. Thone participated at the 3-day training course on basic technique of fish culture. The project monitored his activities and he also signed the agreement with the project to become a target farmer. In addition to technical assistance, he also received from the project fish seed 3200 fingerlings of Pa nin, Pa nai, Pa pak and Pa India. The fish seed were stocked in the 600 sq m pond and later released into 0.8 ha rice-field for culture. Unfortunately, in September 1993 the field was heavily flooded, over 90 % of fish were estimated to have escaped, the rest of the fish (18 kg) were harvested on 20/11/93.

6. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of Mr. Thone was K 650,000 (rice + livestock + vegetable) in 1991. His income in 1992 was K 780,000 which included rice K 700,000 from rice, K 30,000 from 30 kg fish and K 50,000 from the vegetable and livestock. The income in 1993 was K 783,900 which included K 700,000 from rice, K 23,900 from 18 kg of fish and K 60,000 from vegetable and livestock raising.

7. Project comments : Mr. Thone is a good farmer and Deputy Chief of the village. He is able to communicate with the other farmers very well, but he needs more experience on fish culture. In 1993 he lost both the rice and fish crops due to heavy flooding of the entire area. He continued fish culture in 1994 with the assistance from the project in both technical aspects and supply of fish seed.

FIGURE III

MAP OF VIENTIANE PREFECTURE SHOWING TARGET DISTRICTS (VILLAGES LISTED BELOW)

TABLE III

PERFORMANCE OF SELECTED MODEL FARMERS UNDER DIFFERENT FISH FARMING SYSTEMS IN VIENTIANE PREFECTURE
(CENTRAL REGIONAL CENTER)

GRAPH II. INCOME DATA OF SELECTED MODEL TARGET FARMERS

		3) Mr. ON
1) Mr. SOUTCHAI	2) Mr. KHOUNE	4) Mr. BOUNGNANG
5) Mr. BOUNGNONG	6) Mr. KEUNG	7) Mr. BOUNPHENG