Siamese pangasius fish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) is one of the fishery commodities that is widely cultivated in Indonesia. This fish comes from the Mekong River in Vietnam and is a potential export commodity that is very popular in its country of origin. In Vietnam, pangasius fish farming is carried out in floating net cages, step nets and ponds. Pool sizes vary, from 1,000 square meters to more than one hectare per pool, with a depth of 3-4 meters. This significant water depth allows for high stocking densities. 

These ponds are usually located near large rivers to get better results. Regular daily water changes are required, with the volume of water replaced being around 30-50 percent of the total pool volume. For every square meter of pond area, there are 3-4 cubic meters of living space for pangasius fish. If one hectare of pond can produce 400 tons of pangasius fish, then the productivity of the pond is 13.33 kilograms per cubic meter.

With water changes of up to 50 percent per day, the health of the aquaculture environment in the pond can be maintained, resulting in high pond productivity. Pangasius fish seeds are stocked in grow-out ponds starting at a size of 20 grams per fish with a stocking density of 20-50 fish per square meter. The stocking density is determined by the availability of river water sources and the type of feed used. If the river water source is abundant and the water quality is good, the stocking density can reach around 30-40 birds per square meter when using factory-made feed.

The advantages of the Vietnamese style deep pond cultivation method

The advantage of deep ponds is that it is a popular cultivation method used in Vietnam. The benefits of this method include preventing pangasius fish meat from smelling of mud, because the eating nature of pangasius fish is to bring food to the bottom of the ground. With a cultivation system in deep ponds, fish food will go directly into their mouths. If the pond is not deep, the mud will be eaten by the pangasius fish. Therefore, deep ponds can help prevent fish from eating mud which can affect the taste and smell of meat. This is very important for the final quality of the product, especially to meet the high standards of the export market which prioritizes quality and taste.

Apart from preventing the smell of mud on fish flesh, this Vietnamese method of cultivating in deep ponds can also increase productivity significantly. Compared to ordinary ponds, deep ponds allow for up to twofold increase in productivity. This is due to the ability of deep ponds to accommodate a larger number of fish in the same area. High stocking densities can be achieved without compromising fish health with a good water management system. Regular water changes and optimal use of aeration ensure that the fish receive sufficient oxygen and a clean environment, which supports rapid growth and optimal fish health.

The quality of pangasius fish meat produced from cultivation in deep ponds is also superior. The flesh of pangasius fish from deep ponds is whiter compared to pangasius fish kept in ordinary ponds which tend to be yellow in color. This whiter flesh color is very important for fish processing units (cold storage) because it can increase the visual appeal of products, such as fish fillets. Good visual quality has a big influence on consumer purchasing decisions, especially in international markets which have high standards for fish products.

Results of pangasius fish fillets made in Vietnam

The cultivation system in deep ponds also allows better water quality control. With sufficient depth, water circulation can be regulated more efficiently, ensuring that waste and food scraps do not settle at the bottom of the pond, which can pollute the water and affect fish health. Good water management also allows for more stable temperature management, which is important for the welfare of pangasius fish. With optimal environmental conditions, fish can grow well and free from stress, thereby increasing the efficiency of feed use and accelerating the growth rate.

The adoption of this deep pond cultivation method from Vietnam not only brings benefits in terms of productivity and quality, but also in sustainable aquaculture management. Fish farmers in Indonesia can improve their cultivation performance, reduce environmental risks, and increase the sustainability of cultivation by implementing this cultivation method. This can also open up opportunities for market expansion, both domestic and international, by offering high quality pangasius fish products that meet global standards.

The role of pangasius fish farming in the Vietnamese economy

Mekong River in Vietnam

In Vietnam, pangasius farming has become an important part of the local economy, especially in the Mekong delta region. This region has geographical conditions that are very favorable for pangasius cultivation, with an extensive river system and abundant water sources. Pangasius fish farming in the Mekong delta also serves as a significant driver of the local economy.

The success of pangasius fish cultivation in Vietnam is supported by various factors. Firstly, adequate infrastructure plays a key role in ensuring the smooth running of cultivation operations. Vietnam has developed good facilities for hatching, rearing and processing pangasius fish. Good roads, efficient irrigation systems, and access to modern technology help cultivators to manage their businesses more effectively and efficiently.

Apart from that, continuous research and development is also very important in supporting this industry. Fisheries research centers in Vietnam continue to develop new cultivation techniques, fish varieties that are more resistant to disease, and better environmental management methods. With these innovations, the productivity and quality of pangasius fish can continue to be improved. This research also helps in understanding and overcoming challenges faced by farmers, such as climate change and fish diseases.

The Vietnamese government provides various incentives to pangasius fish farmers, including subsidies for the purchase of feed and seed, as well as technical assistance and training. Apart from that, the government also plays a role in opening international market access for Vietnamese pangasius fish products through trade agreements and export promotion. On the other hand, the private sector, including processing and distribution companies, is investing in modern processing technology and extensive distribution networks, ensuring that Vietnamese pangasius fish products can compete in the global market.

This approach ensures that pangasius production in Vietnam not only meets domestic demand but is also able to compete in international markets. Vietnam has succeeded in creating an efficient supply chain from seeding to processing and distribution. Vietnam's success in cultivating pangasius fish is an example for other countries, including Indonesia. 

Lessons from Vietnam's success

Vietnam has succeeded in creating an efficient supply chain from hatchery to processing and distribution, making pangasius cultivation one of the leading sectors in their economy. This supply chain includes various stages from seeding, rearing, processing, to final distribution of the product to domestic and international markets.

Vietnam's success in cultivating pangasius fish is an example for other countries, including Indonesia, to develop a sustainable and highly competitive aquaculture sector. By adopting cultivation practices from Vietnam, Indonesia has great potential to increase the production and quality of pangasius fish, as well as expand its market share at the international level. Indonesia has natural resources that are no less abundant and a climate that is suitable for cultivating pangasius fish, so with the right methods and good management, this country can achieve results similar to Vietnam.

By emulating Vietnam, Indonesia can exploit its great potential in the aquaculture sector. Concrete steps such as improving infrastructure, continuous research and development, as well as the efficient application of advanced technology in the production and processing of pangasius fish can have a significant impact. Apart from that, it is also important to strengthen the marketing and branding aspects of Indonesian pangasius fish products in the global market, so that they can be widely recognized as high quality products that meet international standards.