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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN PANGASIUS FARMING

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 ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER Volume-7 | Issue-1 | January-2018 | PRINT ISSN No 2277 - 8179

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM IN PANGASIUS FARMING

Management
Dr. Le Nguyen Assoc Can Tho University
Doan Khoi
ABSTRACT
This paper was aimed to analyse and assess the types, sources and delivery methods of information relating to management information system in
Pangasius farming.The results showed that there were 8 sources of the information relating to the fish health management. They are: (1) owned or
self learning (pond/cage/pen), (2) extension agents, (3) private consultants, (4) input suppliers, (5) fish traders and processors/exporters, (6) mass
media, (7) fisheries association, and (8) universities and research institutes. The most common sources to the fish farmers were the first, second,
sixth, and the last institutions. For the surveyed services, the most important sources were the first, forth, and the last institutions. The sources of
information are requested to be closer to the fish farmers and provide more useful information via appropriate methods of transferring the related
information. At the current time, there are 6 different methods for delivery of information. For the fish farmers, these include: (1) direct experiment,
(2) direct visit of other farms, (3) someone comes to the farm to instruct, (4) training and meeting, (5) mass media such as TV and radio, (6) reading
materials. On the other side, the most appropriate delivery methods to the related services were: the second, forth and the last methods. The
management information systems are required to be more frequent, as well as easier to understand and apply.
KEYWORDS

1. INTRODUCTION increased and decreased their area or volume were 9.5% and 10.,2%,
Angiang province lies between Hau and Tien branches of Mekong respectively. Results show that the farmers with increased area or
river, where has rich potential for development of both agriculture and volume are those obtained positive profit, but they also said that the
aquaculture with a cross network of 5,170 km of rivers and canals. level of profit was going down. A large amount of money lost was the
Pangasius culture has become very common practice in An Giang most important reason that caused the farmers to decrease the area or
since the successful propagation of this species (1998). Good physical volume of Pangasius culture
conditions, more appropriate farming techniques and development of
markets have been the main reasons for the province to share 152,508 Most of the farmers had stable time for stocking fingerlings (88.3%),
tones of a total production of 315,000 tones of Pangasius fish of but 6.5% and 5.5% of them stocked fish later and earlier than before,
Vietnam in 2004. However, the farming of Pangasius fish in An Giang respectively. Experience made the famers to stock fish with the
province and Vietnam has faced a number of various problems, expectation that the harvest is at the time when price of fish is high.
especially the frequent occurrence of diseases, low growth rate, low Stocking duration increased with 19.9% of the total number of farmers
survival rate and marketing problems in relation to the quality of due to the fluctuation in price of fish but some farmers wanted to keep
products. According to different authors, the diseases on Pangasius fish fish with the expectation of a higher price. However, higher costs and
tends to increase and the survival rate of fish has been increased from bigger size of fish made the profit lower. More frequent occurrence of
about 2-3% in 1998 to 15-20%, recently (Dung, cited from different fish diseases and lower growth rate of infected fish also caused
sources, 2005). For the losses in farming Pangasius fish, diseases are stocking duration longer. Besides, better experience and technical
considered one of the most important causes. There are different knowledge, as well as higher investment level and application of good
disease agents but the most common ones in An Giang are Bacillary feed and combination of different species helped to improve the
necrotic in Pangasius (BNP), parasites, bacteria,…(Lien, 2004, and growth of fish and made the stocking duration.
Dung, 2005, Khoi, 2008). Application of veterinay drugs including
antibiotics, in prevention and treatment of fish diseases have brought At the time of surveys, average stocking density varied depending on
about some good results. However, the spread of cultured areas and the farmers' point of views. There was 32.2% of the total number of
higher intensive level in farming activities also led to more concerns on farmers decreased their fish stocking density due to: (1) expectation to
the fish health management. These concerns are not only on the increase the fish yield and income, 60.0%, (2) better experience on
effectiveness of prevention and treatment but also on the economic water management, 35.0%. Increasing stocking density was
efficiency of fish farming practices. Costs of prevention and treatment associated with higher yield and costs but lower marginal profit per kg
of diseases in pond farming of Pangasius covered about 3.8-10% of the of fish and higher level of risk. There was 19.2% of the total number of
total production costs per crop (Khoi, 2008). farmers increased their fish stocking density. The reasons for
decreased stocking density were: (1) failure of the previous crops
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY caused by price fluctuation with 50.0% of the total number of farmers,
This survey was carried out September, 2009 using the designed (2) more frequent occurrence of fish diseases, 15.8%, (3) worse quality
questionnaires. Different groups of Pangasius farmers and related of water led to lower survival rate of fish, 10.5%). About 10.5% of the
services were interviewed. total number of farmers recognised that lower stocking density could
help to improve the growth rate of fish while 7.9% of them considered
A total of 100 Pangasius fish farmers, including the individual farmers that lower stocking density could made the management of water
and FA members. easier. Higher cost of fingerlings was also a difficulty brought about to
5.3% of the total number of farmers who had not much capital for fish
Information was collected, coded and entered into the computer for farming. The farmers with decreased stocking density had unchanged
checking and analysied. Descriptive and comparative analyses were fish yield and bigger size of harvested fish but lower fish yield and
used. profit level.

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The total number of farmers who increased the quantity of feed was
3.1 General information and the major trends of fish farmers 17.8% and the figure for decreased ones was 12.4%. Increasing the
The average number of ponds per farms was 2.6 (2.3), ranging from 1 quatity of feed used helped to improve the survival rate anf yield of
to 12 ponds, but the most common was 1 pond (36.7%), the next was 2 fish but lower level of profit margin due to higher FRC and feed costs.
ponds (27.8%). The average pond area per farm was 6,263.1 m2 The reasons for increasing the quantity of feed were: (1) to improve
(13,639.9) with the most common one was about 3,000 m2. growth rate of fish, 50.0% of the total number of farmers, and (2) to
Comparing to 2 years before, most of the farmers did not change their meet the requirement of increased fish stocking density, 42.9%. There
fish cultured area or volume (80.3%) while the numbers of farmers was about 12.4% of the total number of farmers decreased the quantity

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Volume-7 | Issue-1 | January-2018 PRINT ISSN No 2277 - 8179

of feed because of (1) lower stocking density, 50.0% of the total Table 3.2: Infected level and impacts of the most dangerous
number of cases, (2) lower price of fish, 42.9%, and (3) more infection diseases on P. catfish
of fish diseases and lower survival rate, 7.1%.
Description Details BNP Haemorrhage Parasite
Medicines were less applied with 34.9% of the total number of
farmers. About 32.6% of them had better information relating to fish Sample size 60 25 15
quality management. Their experience in fish health management had Methods to Observation
been better (17.4%) that helped to a lower level of fish disease 62.9 100.0 92.9
recognise (%) Other farmers
infection, then less application of medicines (17.4%). Reducing of 0.8 0.0 0.0
farming level, especially loewr stocking density and combination of Laboratory 1.6 0.0 2.4
different species also helped to reduce the use of medicines and costs of
fish health management (17.4%). The reasons for increase in Operation 34.7 0.0 4.8
application of medicines were: (1) more fish diseases and worse water Proportion of Mean 66.5 77.0 63.5
quality, 79.4% of the total of cases, (2) more concerns on the crops was infected ± 34.5 31.1 38.4
prevention of diseases (11.8%), and higher stocking density made
Proportion of Mean 64.7 73.0 58.6
more concern on fish health management (8.8%).
ponds/cages was ± 34.6 35.2 36.6
Worse water quality of the river or cannals was considered by 44.8% of Death rate (%) Mean 17.2 11.1 17.5
the total number of farmers. This was commented to be one of the most
± 16.0 14.3 23.4
important reasons for decreasing survival rate of fish as wel as high
level of risk in both fish yield and profit. This, in turn, was resulted by Decrease in the Mean -6.6 -5.4 -5.9
the spontaneous expansion of fish farming and increased pollution of size at harvest (%) ± 10.2 9.2 10.8
agricultural farming activities and wastes from living activities (85.7% Decrease in fish Mean -14.8 -10.3 -12.7
of the total number of fish farmers). Other reasons were: inappropriate (%)
irrigation systems (8.9%); wastes from upstream (3.6%); especially ± 13.8 14.4 18.2
the dead fish threw in the rivers (1.8%). However, about 6.9% of the Decrease in the Mean -22.6 -12.3 -16.7
total number of fish farmers said that they had better quality of water profit (%) ± 21.0 15.7 20.7
for fish farming because of their farm locates along the big river with
good flows of water and not many ponds/ cages in the area. A better General Not good 20.2 19.3 14.3
environmental management at local level in the area might be another assessment on the Medium
33.1 31.3 23.8
reason. fish health
management (%) Good 46.8 49.4 61.9
Impacts of the most serious diseases on Pangasius/Basa fish
Source: Data survey, 2010
The results show that there are 12 diseases on Pangasius fish in
Angiang province, but 3 most frequent diseases are: (1) Bacillary
3.3.1Detail information relates to the production process
necrotic in Pangasius (BNP) with 82.1% of the total number of
(1) Fingerlings and stocking density: “Stocking density” was
farmers, (2) Haemorrhage disease (63.4%), and (3) Parasite in
Pangasius (32.0%). In general, the impacts of diseases on the considered much by 83.4% of the total number of farmers and 74.6%
reduction of fish production and average profit have been limited of them thought that this factor is important. “Size of fingerlings” was
because of better technical knowledge and more experience of farmers paid attention by 80.8% of the total number of farmers and 63.0% of
on fish health management. However, a lower survival rate of fish was them said that this factor is important. “Price of fingerlings” made the
reported due to larger number of fish farmers, higher stocking density, thinking of 68.9% of the total number of farmers and 45.5% of them
and worse water quality. If the quality of public water is better, the said that this is important factor. Even though 81.0% of the total
survival rate of fish can be improved and that can help to save more farmers thought that “Checking of the quality of fingerlings” is
money sent for fish health management. important but this activity was done by about 68.7% of them, only. In
addition, “seasonality and weather” and “disinfection of fingerlings”
1. Bacillary necrotic in Pangasius (BNP) were considered by more than half of the total number of farmers and
2. Haemorrhage disease more than 60% of them thought that they are important factors.
3. Parasite in Pangasius
4. Jaundice (2) Feed and feeding: To feed the fish, 83.4% of the total number of
5. Intestime damage farmers paid their attention to “fish health” in order to change the
6. Pop-eye feeding activities to reduce the impacts of over feeding, and 84.9% of
7. Columnariss disease them said that this is important. “Price of fish” at harvest was important
8. Epizootic Ulcerative Syndrome (EUS) to 65.7% of the total number of farmers and this took the consideration
9. Monogenean disease of 70.2% of them applied in order to reduce the feed costs. “Checking
10. Fish swimming around the front of cage of feed” helps to manage the water quality and also to save the feed
11. Swollen of kidney costs, therefore, 68.9% of the total number of farmers gave their eyes to
12. Fungal disease this and 71.7% of them reported that this is important. “Fish size” was
also important to about 73.7% of the farmers and considered by 68.2%
BNP occurred in 82.1% of the total number of Pangasius farms, of of them. “Types and sources of feed” were important to 77.6% of the
which group 1-full participants had the highest infected level (93.6%) farmers but applied by 66.9% of them, only. “Price of feed”, however,
and group 3-non-participants had the lowest infected level (68.9% of not made much concern to the farmers because 64.9% of them
farms). In average, BNP was reported with 66.5% (34.5) of the total considered this factor and only 52.6% of them commented this is
number of crops of Pangasius/Basa, Group 3-nonparticipants had important. “Amount of feed and frequency of feeding” brought about
higher level of the number of crops infected by BNP (71.933.2%) attention to 62.7% of the total number of farmers and 58.1% of them
compared with other two groups. Group 1 had the smallest number of said that this is important. The figures for “quality of feed” were 60.9%
crops infected by BNP (62.734.8%). and more important, 74.4%, respectively. In addition, there were
several other factors affecting farmers in terms of feed and feeding like
If the crop was infected by BNP, then the number of ponds/cages of that “water quality and pond bottom”, storage of feed, etc,.
crop infected by BNP was 64.7% (34.6) of the total number of
ponds/cages. Group 3 had the highest level of infection (67.332.6%). (3) Water management: In this term, the farmers gave their concern
When the pond or cage infected by BNP, the dead rate of fish was most to “fish health” (70.9% total number of farms). The farmers'
17.2% (16.0) compared with the pond/cage that was not infected. But it decision on water management is based on the behavior of fish. About
was sPangasiusnge because the dead rate of fish was highest with 78.3% of the total number of framers commented that “fish health” was
Group 1 (20.417.2%) while that figure of Group 3 was lowest important factor for water management. For water supply, 65.2% of
(15.316.8%). The fish size at harvest was also affected by the infection the total number of farmers considered “quality of water in the river or
of diseases. If the fish were infected by BNP, they were harvested at the cannal”. There was 69.7% of the total number of farmers thought that
size about 6.6% (10.2) smaller than the case of not infected. Group 3 “quality of water in the river or cannal” is an important factor.
had the strongest reduction in the size of fish at harvest (-9.411,0%). “Seasonality and weather” was the factor that made attention to 63.6%

24 International Journal of Scientific Research

Volume-7 | Issue-1 | January-2018 PRINT ISSN No 2277 - 8179

of the total number of farmers in order to forcast the coming evens, and contact with other farmers. The need to receive and transfer related
68.8% of them commented that this factor was important. “Water information between the farmers was recommedned by 62.5% of the
quality and bottom of pond” was the notice for about 60.3% of the total total number of respondens in association with more reliable
number of farmers, but 84.3% of them recognized the important role of information (25.0%) and more applicable information (12.5%).
this factor. In addition, “total amount/quantity of fish in pond.
Information from technicians was received 64.9% total number of
(4) Fish health management: This is difficult and complex activity respondents but 44.2% of them did not believed this source of
which is always considered by the farmers. In general, “external information. Fish farmers suggested that the technicians should
clininical signs” was paid attention by 98.7% of the total nuber of contact them more frequently in oreder to update the information and
farmers in order to identify the diseases and to find out the appropriate obtain a better understanding of the industry (65.0%). The technicians
prevention and treatment methods, and 89.7% of them said that this is were also asked for a better supply of information (15.0%) and having
important factor. However, for some specific diseases, the “internal more experience with the fish culture and fish health management
clinical signs” was considers by 79.5% of the total number of farmers (10.0%).
and 75.0% of them appreciated this factor. “Prevention” was applied
by 79.5% of the total number of farmers and 80.5% thought that this is Private consultancy is quite new to the fish farmers, therefore, only
essential for fish health management. To identify the diseases by 25.8% of the total number of respondents received the related
“screening” was given consideration by 78.8% of the total number of information from this source. But among receivers, there was about
farmers due to most of the farmers are based on their experience, and 24.3% gave good assessment while 56.8% said normal and 18.9%
this factor was commented important by 85.8% of them. After commented not good about this source of information. The farmers
identifying the diseases, “treatment methods” was paid attention by also recommended that the consultants should provide more suitable
58.9% of the total number of farmers and this was crucial to 67.4% information (60.0%), update information provided to the farmers
them. “Exposure/ susceptibility to disease” warned 55.0% of the total (20.0%), and this service should have their own laboratory to meet the
number of farmers and 62.8% of them said that this is important. In requirement of the farmers (20.0%) .
addition, “source of chemicals/medicines” and “mortality pattern”
affected to 53.6% and 49.7% of the total number of farmers but 76.9% Accompanied with the development of commercial farming is the
of them thought that these factors are important, respectively. importance of the suppliers of major inputs for fish culture such as
seed, feed, medicines, etc., These input suppliers provide the related
It is difficult to identify and to treat BNP, therefore, in order to manage information in order to promote their products. About 60.3% of the
this disease the farmers often considered “internal clinical signs” total number of farmers said that the information provided by input
(91.1% of them). “External clinical signs” was the next factor which suppliers is good. They also recommended that: (1) the farmers should
was considered by 63.7% of the total number of farmers and 73.8% of select and filter the information from different input suppliers (42.1%);
them said this is important factor. To prevent BNP was applied by (2) to apply the suitable and applicable information, only (31.6%); (3)
63.7% of the total number of farmers but 86.2% of them appreciated the input suppliers should not focus on the profit while forget the right
the prevention methods they were applying. They also considered of buyers/farmers (15.8%); and (4) the input suppliers should have
“screening” to identify BNP (61.7%); “treatment methods” (46.6%); good technicians who can come to visit and carefully check the real
“mortality pattern” (45,9%); “source of chemicals/medicines” to situation of the farms before guiding the farmers (10.5%).
assure the results of prevention and treatment applied to BNP
(44.6%);... The buyers/Pangasiusders of fish are very important to the fish
farmers, however, the respondents said that the fish traders not gave
The farmers recommented (i) to use medicines to prevent BNP much concern to the information provided to the fish farmers. About
(46.4%), (ii) to observe the clinical signs for a better water 24.5% of the total number of respondents received the related
management (35.7%), (iii) to Pangasiusin the farmers more on information from fish traders. Among the total number of farmers,
technical knowledge, disease dianogsis and treatment (32.9%), (iv) to 24.4% appreciated information from this source, 70.3% was normal
obtain better fingerlings (9,0%), (v) to use better feed and to apply and 5.4% was not satisfied. The information receivers of this source
better feeding activities (8,5%), (vi) to give more attention to the suggested that the fish buyers need to provide (1) updated information
seasonality (2,1%), and (vii) to stock fish at a lower density (1,6%). (50.0%); (2) more reliable and suitable information (37.5%); and (3)
more information on fish health management aiming to improve the
(5) Harvesting and marketing: The strong and annual fluctuation of quality of fish (12.5%).
fish price in recent years have been the key concern to 97.4% of the
total number of farmers and 88.9% of them said that this factor strongly Mass media is the fastest, most common and more efficient to the
affect their profit. “harvest size and number of ponds” was considered whole. Up to 93.4% of the total number of respondents received
by 84.8% of the total number of farmers and 72.8% of them thought technical information through this source and 48.9% of them had good
that this is important. Because of the consumers via processing and assessment. The farmers' suggestions from given to this source of
export companies require better quality of fish, “health and quality of information were: (1) information on TV should be faster and closer to
fish” was paid attention by 66.9% of the total number of farmers and the real life of (45.5%); (2) more frequent spread of the related
69.4% of them appreciated this factor. “Financial conditions” affected programms (40.9%); (3) need to check the correction of the
66.9% of the total number of farmers and 46.9% of them thought that information before broadcasting or printing (9.1%); (4) more
this is important factor. In addition, “type of conPangasiusct” was information on the fish health management that help the farmers to
considered by 43.7% of the total number of farmers but it was essential prevent and to treat the diseases more effectively (4.6%).
to 62.5% of them.
Universities and research institutes have the training and research
3.3.2 Farmers' assessment on the sources of related information activities on aquaculture are the source of information for 53.0% of the
In general, in order to conduct the pond culture, technical information total number of farmers and 50.0% of them appreciated this source.
can be obtained from different sources. About 95.4% of the total The farmers had several suggestions for this source of information: (1)
number of farmers was based on their owned experience while 4.6% of faster and farmer-closer information (46,2%); (2) more information
them were not experienced, only. related to fish health management (30.8%); and (3) information should
be clearer and easier to be understood by the farmers (23.1%).
The number of farmers gave good assessment to their experience was
90.8% and that numbers for medium and not good were 7.8% and 3.3.3 Farmers' assessment on the methods of information delivery
1.4%, respectively. The farmers recognised that they have to learn by Various information from different sources were received and directly
themselves more in the real life of the industry (75.0%), as well as to be applied by 73.5% of the total number of fish farmers, and then about
trained more on grow-out techniques and prevention and treatment of 86.1% of them relied on this method. However, in order to applied this
the diseases more effectively (25.0%). method well, the farmers need to read more materials, to receive more
technical supports and to conduct direct observation more frequently
About 79.5% of the total number of farmers received related (33.3%).
information from other fish farmers and 65.8% of them appreciated
this source of information. However, 5.9% of them said that this source Direct visits of the other farms and demonstration sites to absorb the
of information is not reliable while the remaining of 20.5% did not good experience and lessons are a good method for 56.3% of the total

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number of respondents and 69.2% of them appreciated for. Like the in terms of receivers and deliverers of related information. Table 3.4:
above method, this one also requires the farmers reading and visiting Assessment of the related services on the types of information
more (50.0% of the total number of respondents). In addition, the
farmers need to learn more using other methods (25.0%), and receive Table 3.4: Assessment of the related services on the types of
more support from different institutions in order to visit the right places information
and models or systems (25.0%).
Pangasius Buyers,
Suprisingly when 22.5% of the total number of respondents met the Feed &
ining, Seed processor Total
technicians at their farms, revealing that the technicians not come to medicine
Results Unit research, suppliers s, (N=81
visit the farms much, but 47.1% of them appreciate this method. suppliers
extension (N2=30) exporters )
Technicians were recommended to visit the farms more frequently to (N3=18)
(N1=17) (N4=16)
have better understanding in order to provide more effectively
technical advices (50.0%). In addition, the farmers are also encouraged 1. Site
to read more materials (50.0%). selecti Total
on answers n 12 26 5 16 59
with Yes
Training and workshop and combination of both types were an
effective method of information deliverry because 74.8% of them Importa
received information via these methods and 58.6% of them nt when % 83,3 57,7 40,0 93,8 71,2
commented that this method is important. The Pangasiusining received
workshops need to be held more often (76.4% of the total number of
respondents), and the trainers need to have better knowledge and Importa
experience (11.8%). The farmers also look for the capital supports in nt when
% 66,7 42,3 40,0 93,8 61,0
order to apply what was trained and suitable to them (11.8%). transferr
ed
3.3.4 The delivery of information via mass media (tivi, radio, 2.
newspapers, etc, …) is the most common method which was received Seed
by 87.5% of the total number of respondents but the quality of and Total
information needs to be considered because 49.2% of the total number seed answers n 17 30 14 16 77
of receivers said that this is a good method. Recommendations for an stocki with Yes
improvemnt of this method include: (1) the programs should be more ng
practical and broadcast more frequently (82.3%), and (2) the programs
should be longer than common (17.7%). Importa
nt when % 82,4 76,7 85,7 62,5 76,6
Delivery of information via reading materials such as books, posters, received
etc., was reported by 70.2% of the total number of farmers and 51.4%
of them thought that this is a good way to transfer information. The Importa
readers commented that (1) information on the reading materials nt when
% 82,4 73,3 92,9 62,5 76,6
should be simpler and more practical in order to be easier for the transferr
farmers to understand (62.5%), (2) information should be more ed
detailed or easier for application (25,0%), and (3) information needs to 3.
be updated more frequently (12.5%). Feed
and Total
3.4 Assessment of the services relating to fish health mangement feedin answers n 16 30 16 16 78
A total of 81 persons working in the related services such as businesses g with Yes
and institutions in the Mekong Delta were interviewed. These were
people with good educational level, no one was illiterate, 32.1% had
secondary level, 33.3% had high school level, 16% fished vocational, Importa
and 18.5% with bachelor degree or higher. Most of the services are nt when % 93,8 83,3 100,0 100,0 92,3
managed by male (96.7% with the seed suppliers and 77.8% of received
medicines and feed suppliers). These groups are middle of the
information channels, they are both receivers and deliverers of the Importa
information relating to fish health management. nt when
% 93,8 80,0 87,5 100,0 88,5
transferr
3.4.1 Assessment of the related services on the type of information ed
Pangasius catfish cultured in the Mekong Delta is often stocked at high 4.
densities and the yield is also high. However, high intensive level of Water Total
farming may easily cause the pollution of water in the rivers or canals manag answers n 17 30 17 16 80
around the culture araes and lead to the good conditions for occurrence ement with Yes
and spread of fish diseases. All of the 8 types of information relating to
the fish health management were considered by 4 related services, but Importa
the most impressive ones should be: (1) fish health management, (2) nt when % 100,0 80,0 94,1 100,0 91,3
feed and feeding, (3) water management, and (4) preparation of the received
ponds. The information on fish health manegement were essential to all
services in both receiving and delivery. All of them recommended that Importa
fish health management should be done with all of the steps of the nt when
% 100,0 66,7 94,1 100,0 86,3
production process. This type of information was said to be important transferr
with 90-100% of the total number of respondents when they were ed
receivers and 73.3-100% when they were deliverers of information. 5.
Health
Water management in the fish culture area was considered by most of manag Total
the respondents (98.8%). It was said to be an essential factor with 80- 't of answers n 17 30 18 16 81
100% of the total number of surveyed services when received and Panga with Yes
a66.7-100% when transferred. sisu s

Harvesting and marketing made sence to a large portion of the related Importa
services. However, the exception was 6.3% of the total number of nt when % 100,0 90,0 94,4 100,0 95,1
traders and processors when they were deliverers of information and received
11.8% of the total numbers of training/research/extension group both

26 International Journal of Scientific Research

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Importa Good % 91,7 86,7 81,8 100,0 89,9

nt when when
% 100,0 73,3 94,4 100,0 88,9 transfer
transferr
ed red
6. 2.
Harve Total Extensio Total
st and answers n 14 30 16 16 76 n answer
marke with Yes Agents s with
ting Yes n 16 28 7 16 67

Importa Good
nt when % 71,4 63,3 100,0 50,0 69,7 when
received receive
d % 50,0 35,7 71,4 43,8 44,8
Importa Good % 56,3 21,4 57,1 43,8 38,8
nt when when
% 64,3 56,7 81,3 50,0 61,8
transferr transfer
ed red

Source: Data survey, 2010 3.

Private Total
3.4.2 Assessment of the related services on the sources of consulta answer
information nts s with
Sources of information for fish culture and fish health management are Yes n 7 12 2 5 26
diversified with the participation of 8 institutions which are identified Good
in the following table. Two most important sources of information for when
all of the groups are: (1) owned experience: the total number of receive
respondents was satisfied is 84.1% when receiving and 89.9% when d % 71,4 25,0 0,0 20,0 34,6
transferring the information; (2) training and research institutions, the Good % 57,1 25,0 100,0 20,0 38,5
total number of respondents was satisfied is 62.9% when receiving and when
60.0% when transferring the information. In addition, the input transfer
suppliers were highly appreciated by the group of feed and medicine red
suppliers (94.4% for receiving, and 83.3% for transferring
information) while fisheries association was very important to the fish 4. Input
Total
traders and processors (100.0% for both receiving and transferring supplier
answer
information). s
s with
Yes n 14 30 18 16 78
The related services had a number of suggestions for an improvement
of the sources of information for fish culture and fish health Good
management. when
receive
Phân tích trên cho thấy nguồn thông tin rất đa dạng, được hưởng ứng và d % 35,7 46,7 94,4 31,3 52,6
đạt hiệu quả cao, nhưng vẫn còn một số thiếu sót cần bổ sung và hoàn Good % 28,6 46,7 83,3 31,3 48,7
chỉnh. The Pangasiusining and workshop should be organised more when
frequent with more practical and detail contents, as well as provide the transfer
updated information. Extension workers and private consultants need red
to visit the farmers more and to learn more from the successful farmers.
Mas media is expected to provide the frequent programs that help the 5. Fish
farmers to obtain a better information, especially on the quality of Pangasi
public water/environment, farming techniques and market usders,
information. The universities and research institutes were processo
recommended to provide more and appropriate information on the rs and Total
prevention and treatment of fish diseases, especially in the case of exporter answer
application, not too much in theory. s s with
Yes n 9 8 1 16 34
Table 3.5: Assessment of the related services on the sources of
information Good
when
Feed & receive
Pangasius medici d % 33,3 25,0 0,0 37,5 32,4
Buyers,
ining, Seed ne Total Good % 33,3 12,5 0,0 37,5 29,4
processors,
Results Unit research, suppliers supplie (N=8 when
exporters
extension (N2=30) rs 1) transfer
(N4=16)
(N1=17) (N3=1 red
8) 6. Mass Total
1. media answer
Owned s with
learning Total Yes n 15 29 18 16 78
(pond/ca answer Good
ge) s with when
Yes n 12 30 11 16 69 receive
d % 60,0 37,9 61,1 43,8 48,7
Good Good % 53,3 27,6 44,4 43,8 39,7
when when
receive transfer
d % 75,0 76,7 90,9 100,0 84,1 red

International Journal of Scientific Research 27

Volume-7 | Issue-1 | January-2018 PRINT ISSN No 2277 - 8179

7. 2. Visit
Fisheries Total other
associati answer farms Total
on s with directl answers
Yes n 0 0 0 7 7 y with
Yes n 14 24 5 14 57
Good
when Good
receive when
d % 100,0 100,0 receive
Good % 100,0 100,0 d % 57,1 66,7 80,0 92,9 71,9
when Good % 64,3 45,8 80,0 92,9 64,9
transfer when
red Transfe
rred
8. 3.
Universit Someo
ies, Total ne
Research answer comes
Institutes s with to the
Yes n 14 25 15 16 70 farm
to
Good Total
instruc
when answers
t
receive with
d % 78,6 44,0 66,7 75,0 62,9 Yes n 5 11 1 2 19
Good % 78,6 40,0 60,0 75,0 60,0 Good
when when
transfer receive
red d % 60,0 27,3 100,0 0,0 36,8
Good % 60,0 36,4 100,0 0,0 42,1
Source: Data survey, 2010
when
Transfe
3.4.3 Assessment of the related services on the methods of
rred
information delivery
Pangasiusnsferring information requires the appropriate methods and Total
skills. The following table shows that there are 6 methods to deliver the answers
information in fish farming in the study area. The most appropriate with
methods are: (1) reading materials, (2) training/workshop and Yes n 17 28 16 16 77
meeting, and (3) visiting the successful farm in order to learn the
experience. In addition, the group of feed and medicines suppliers also Good
appreciated the method of direct experiment. when
receive
Most of the recommendations were given to: (1) reading materials, d % 76,5 42,9 87,5 100 72,7
need to be shorter and easier to understand, closer to the real life of the Good % 76,5 28,6 75,0 43,8 51,9
industry, (2) extension programs need to be organized more often with when
the updated information and presentation method that should be more Transfe
attractive to the farmers and related services. Technical consultancy rred
from the extensions and information from the mass media need to be 5.
more detail and frequent. Mass
media Total
Table 3.6: Assessment of the related services on the methods of (TV, answers
information delivery radio) with
Yes n 16 28 18 16 78
Collecto
training, Seed Good
Fisheries rs and
research, productio when
Uni feed and export Total
Results fisheries n and receive
t medicine processi (N=81)
extension service d % 56,3 32,1 72,2 25,0 44,9
(N3=18) ng
(N1=17) (N2=30) Good % 62,5 25,0 55,6 25,0 39,7
(N4=16)
when
1. Transfe
Direct rred
experi Total 6.
ment answers Readin Total
with g answers
Yes n 11 22 16 11 60 docum with
ents Yes n 17 29 18 16 80
Good Good
when when
receive receive
d % 54,5 54,5 100,0 56,3 64,2 d % 52,9 58,6 83,3 100,0 71,3
Good % 27,3 45,5 93,8 50,0 54,3 Good % 58,8 48,3 94,4 100,0 71,3
when when
Transfe Transfe
rred rred

Source: Data survey, 2010

28 International Journal of Scientific Research

Volume-7 | Issue-1 | January-2018 PRINT ISSN No 2277 - 8179

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

General trend in Pangasius culture in An Giang province and the
Mekong River Delta is intensive farming and aiming to meet the
increasing demand for a better quality and larger quantity of products,
especially that of the international markets. Fish health management
directly affects to the fish yield and quality, as well as production costs
and profit level of fish farming practices. This study shows that three
most frequent and serious diseases on Pangasius fish are: (1) Bacillary
necrotic in Pangasius (BNP) with 82.1% of the total number of
farmers, (2) Haemorrhage disease (63.4%), and (3) Parasite in
Pangasius (32.0%). In order to manage the fish health, fish farmers
obtained different types of information from a various number of
sources via different methods of delivery.

Excluding the general information such as age, experience and type of

farming (pond, cage, pen), the fish farmers gave their consideration to
8 types of information relating to: (1) site selection, (2) design and
construction of pond/cage/pen, (3) preparation of pond/cage/pen, (4)
fingerlings and stocking, (5) feed and feeding, (6) water management,
(7) fish health management, and (8) harvesting and marketing. In order
to improve fish health management, all of the 8 type of information are
important to the fish farmers. On the other hand, the related services
gave their consideration more to the pond reparation, feed and feeding,
water management, and fish health management. The information is
required to be more frequently updated, practical and applicable.

There are a number of recommendations obtained from this study that

help to improve the supply of information relating to the fish health
management:

(1) Better planning activities, especially to upgrade the irrigation

systems to reduce the pollution in the concern culture areas.
Monitoring and warnings of the environment is also important.

(2) The farmers should consider more about the suitable water source
for site selection in associated with standard design and construction of
the pond/cage/pen.

(3) Responsible agents need to carry out more strictly to check the
quality of fries and fingerlings provided by seed suppliers. In addition,
it is better if there will have specific regulations on the stocking density
for each farming systems.

(4) More training on the integrated prevention and treatment of fish

diseases in association with the appropriate application of medicines
following the regulations. It should be better if these are combined with
the encouragement of organic fish farming.

(5) Mass media needs to be invested and improved more in order to

help transferring better information to the whole community.

(6) An improvement of the linkage between five parties will help to

assure the successfulness of the whole industry development (sectoral
managers, farmers, input suppliers, traders/processors/exporters, and
universities/research institutes.

(7) More and in-depth studies need to be conducted in order to help

finding out the effective solutions for prevention and treatment of this
diseases. More and appropriate information relating to this disease is
useful to a large community including the fish farmers and services
who involved in Pangasius industry.

REFERENCES
1. Ministry of fisheries (2001-2005). Annual reports.
2. Division of Statistics of An Giang province (2005). Statistic year book, 2004.
3. Le Xuan Sinh (2005). Issues relating to a sustainable farming of Pangasius catfish in
4. Vietnam. Paper presented at the workshop on “Socio-economics of species for
sustainable aquaculture farming”. Hawaii-US, 17-20 Oct, 2005.
5. Khoi, L.N.D., Wijngaard, J. and C.H.M. Lutz, 2008, Farming system practices of
seafood production in Vietnam: the case study of Pangasius small-scale farming in the
Mekong River Delta, ASEAN Business Case Studies No 27, Center for ASEAN Studies
and Center for International Management and Development Antwerp, p.72.
6. Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (DARD) of An Giang province (2001-
2004). Annual reports.

International Journal of Scientific Research 29

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