CHAPTER IV (Contd.)

District : Mouang Kham
Village : Ban Hok
Name of farmer : Mr. Chanpeung (SN-07)
Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture + Pond fish culture
General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practises culture of fish with rice in a 0.35 ha area rice field and culture of fish in ponds in a 0.04 ha area fish pond. In additional 0.8 ha area he grows sticky rice (0.3 ha lowland and 0.5 ha upland) and in another 1.0 ha area he grows fruits, vegetables and corn. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Chanpeung started aquaculture in 1987. In 1992 he produced 5 kg fish in his 0.04 ha fish pond (125 kg/ha) and 45 kg in his 0.35 ha rice field (129 kg/ha). The fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. From August 1992, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond/rice field preparations, fish feeding/fertilization, proper fixing of screens at water inlets and outlets, stocking densities of selected species, and regulating properly the depth of water in rice field for the benefit of rice and fish as well. He stocked his 0.04 ha fish pond with 5,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (12,500/ha) at an average stocking size of 0.5–3 g. After six months he harvested 5 kg fish (125 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery/ survival of 40 % (200 pcs). In his 0.35 ha rice field, he stocked 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5,714/ha) at average stocking size of 1–5 g). After three months he harvested 50 kg fish (143 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery/survival of 50 % (1,000 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Chanpeung received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was again given detailed technical advice by the project on his fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.04 ha fish pond with 400 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months, he harvested 7 kg fish (175 kg/ ha/180 days) with recovery/survival of 50 % (200 pcs). In his 0.35 ha rice field he re-stocked 1,500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (4,286/ha) which included the 500 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project. Stocking size was 1–5 g. After three months of culture with rice, he harvested 70 kg fish (200 kg/ha/ 90 days) with recovery/survival of 66.6 % (1,000 pcs). In 1994 Mr. Chanpeung stocked his two ponds (0.06 ha) with 400 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (6,666.7/ha) at an average size of 7–10 g. After six months he harvested 20 kg fish (333.3 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery rate of 75 % (300 pcs). He also conducted alternate culture of fish with rice in his 0.2 ha rice field by stocking 1,500 fingerlings (7,500/ha) of tilapia and common carp fingerlings at an average size of 3–5 g. After five months, he harvested 50 kg fish (250 kg/ha/150 days) with a recovery rate of 66.7 % of (1,000 pcs). During the rice cropping season he simultaneously cultured fish with rice by stocking 3,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings at an average stocking size of 3–5 g in his 0.65 ha ricefield (4,615/ha). After three months of culture with rice he produced 80 kg fish (123 kg/ha/97 days) with percentage recovery of 66.7 % (2,000 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Chanpeung was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 550,000 in 1991, K 565,000 in 1992 being K 55,000 from fish from rice field and pond, and K 597,200 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 597,200 included K 350,000 from sticky rice (2,500 kg lowland and 1,000 kg upland) + K 77,000 from fish (70 kg from rice field and 7 kg from pond) + K 66,700 from livestock and K 50,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While his 1994 income of K 945,000 include K 350,000 from 3,500 kg sticky rice + K 225,000 from fish (20 kg from pond and 130 kg from rice field) + K 125,000 from livestock and K 245,000 from fruits vegetables and corn. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activity.
Comments : Mr. Chanpeung is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed deep interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, performance, and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he's applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

District : Mouangkham
Villages : Ban Hok
Name of farmer : Oun Pheng (SN-08)
Main farming system : Rice-Cum-Fish culture + Pond fish culture.
General information : He is a poor farmer with 11 members in the family. He practised rice cultivation with fish culture in 0.5 ha area and owns a fish pond 0.25 ha in size. In additional one hectare area he grows corn, vegetables and fruits. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July, 1992 when the above general informations were collected. He started aquaculture since 1983. In 1991 he produced 90 kg fish in his 0.25 ha pond (360 kg/ha) and 150 kg fish in his 0.5 ha rice field (300 kg/ha). The species of fish grown were mostly tilapia, common carp and local species. From July 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included fixing of proper screens at water inlets and outlets, stocking density of selected species and regulating properly the level of water in the rice field for the benefit of the rice crop and fish as well. He was also advised to integrate pigs in his fish pond. He harvested 200 kg fish from his 0.5 ha rice field (400 kg/ha) and 100 kg fish from 0.25 integrated fish pond (400 kg/ha). Stocking density and culture days of fish in both rice fields and fish pond were not determined due to variable dates of fish stocking (some way back before the project started) and partial harvestings in which he did not follow any record keeping. In January 1993, Mr. Oun Pheng received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In July 1993, the project supervised preparation of his rice field having an area of 0.1 ha and supplied free 500 common carp fingerlings at stocking rate of 5,000/ha. The average stocking size was 4.1 g and 5.9 cm. The fish were harvested after 90 days. Survival of fingerlings was 99 % with an average size of 58.8 g and 14.9 cm. Total fish production was 45 kg (450 kg/ ha/90 days). However, entry of tilapia from the adjacent fish pond occurred and during harvest about 15.6 kg (156 kg/ ha) of tilapia were collected which gave the total fish production as 606 kg/ha/90 days.

In 1993, Mr. Oun Pheng was given detailed technical advice on pond fish culture as well. He stocked his fish pond (0.25 ha) with tilapia and common carps at 2,500/ha and integrated with two pigs. The fish production obtained was 150 kg/0.25 ha/180 days (600 kg/ha/180 days). Percentage recovery was 50–55 %. The fish production from another rice-cum-fish culture area (0.4 ha) was 179 kg in 90 days (447.5 kg/ha/90 days) with undetermined stocking density and percentage recovery. In 1994 he stocked his 0.25 ha fishpond with 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (4,000/ha) at an average size of 5–7 g and after eight months he produced 150 kg market fish + 25 kg fingerlings (700 kg/ ha/240 days). Recovery was 90 % (900 pcs). He also conducted alternate culture of fish with rice in his 0.5 ha rice field by stocking 5,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average size of 1–5 g. After five months he harvested 135 kg fish (270 kg/ha/150 days) with a recovery of 60 % (3,000 pcs). During the rice cropping season, he simultaneously cultured fish with rice in his 0.5 ha rice field by stocking 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (4,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After more than three months, he produced 225 kg fish (450 kg/ha/ 105 days) with recovery of 80 % (1,600 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. OunPheng was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was only about K 690,000 in 1991 being K 240,000 from 240 kg fish (90 kg from pond + 150 kg from rice field), K 770,000 in 1992 being K 300,000 from 300 kg fish (100 kg from pond + 200 kg from rice field) and K 879,350 in 1993.

The 1993 income of K 879,350 included K 200,000 from sticky rice (2,000 kg) + K 374,000 from fish (150 kg from pond and 224 kg from rice field ) + K 53,350 from livestock and K 252,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While the 1994 income of K 1,616,500 included K 250,000 from sticky rice (2,500 kg) + K 802,500 from fish (175 kg from pond and 360 kg from rice field) + K 244,000 from livestock and K 320,000 from fruits, vegetables and corn. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and financial conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish culture activities.
Comments : He is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project carefully but still needs to follow the technical instructions more strictly so with maintenance of record of his farm activities. He has shown sustained interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. It is expected that he would serve as a model farmer particularly for the rice + fish culture system. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project shall in future years help in refining his technology, as well as in assessing his future needs in terms of funds and facilities.

District : Mouang Kham
Village : Ban Hok
Name of farmer : Mr. Maivone (SN-09)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture
General information : He is a medium farmer with 13 members in the family. He practises culture of fish with rice in his 0.13 ha area rice field and culture of fish in pond in his 0.08 ha area fish pond. In additional 1.99 ha area he grows sticky rice without fish (1.39 ha rice field), fruits and vegetables (0.6 ha). The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected. Mr. Maivone started aquaculture in 1991. In 1991 he produced 5 kg in his 0.05 ha fish pond (100 kg/ha) and 10 kg fish in his 0.13 ha rice field (77 kg/ha). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. From August 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond/rice field preparations, pond fertilization, fish feeding, stocking densities of selected species and proper screening of water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.13 ha rice field with 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (7,692/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After three months he harvested 15 kg fish (115.4 kg/ha/90 days) with 50 % survival/recovery rate (500 pcs). In his 0.08 ha fish pond he stocked 800 tilapia and common carp fingerlings ( 10,000/ha ) at an average stocking size of 1–3 g. After six months he harvested 15 kg fish (187.5 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery/survival rate of 50 % ( 400 nos). In January 1993, Mr. Maivone received a 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was again given detailed technical advice on his pond fish and rice-cum-fish culture activity. He re-stocked his 0.13 ha rice field with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,846/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After three months he harvested 17 kg fish (131 kg/ha/90 days) with a recovery/survival of 80 % (400 pcs). In his 0.08 ha fish pond, he restocked 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (6,250/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–3 g. after six months, he harvested 18 kg fish (225 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery/ survival of 80 % (400 pcs). In 1994, he stocked his 0.035 ha fish pond with 600 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (17,142.8/ha) at an average size of 5–7 g. After six months he harvested 17 kg fish (485.7 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery of 58.3 % (350 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Maivone was on an average three times in every two months.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 915,000 in 1991, K 980,000 in 1992 being K 30,000 from 30 kg fish from rice field and pond and K 1,006,700 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 1,006,700 included K 600,000 from sticky rice (6,000 kg) + K 35,000 from fish ( 18 kg from pond fish and 17 kg from rice field) + K 314,700 from livestock and K 57,000 from vegetables and fruits. While his 1994 income of K 1,337,000 include K 630,000 from 6,300 kg sticky rice + K 25,500 from 17 kg fish from pond + K 325,000 from livestock + K 306,500 from fruits and vegetables and K 50,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Maivone is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, performance and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he is applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

District : Mouang Kham
Village : Ban Hok
Name of farmer : Mr. Phone (SN-10)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture
General information : He is a poor farmer with 5 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in pond in his 0.04 ha fish pond and culture of fish with rice in his 0.45 ha area rice field. In additional 0.5 ha area rice field he grows sticky rice without fish (0.2 ha lowland and 0.3 ha upland) and in another 0.5 ha upland area he grows fruits, corn and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected. Mr. Phone started aquaculture in 1988. In 1991 he produced 2 kg fish in his 0.03 ha area fish pond (67 kg/ha) and 40 kg fish in his 0.45 ha area rice field (89 kg/ha). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. From August 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond/rice field preparations, pond fertilization, stocking densities of selected species and proper screening of water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.4 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (12,500/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months he harvested 5 kg fish (125 kg/ha) with a recovery/survival of 40 % (200 pcs). In his 0.45 ha rice field he stocked 1500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,333/ha) at an average size of 1–5 g. After six months he harvested 50 kg fish (111 kg/ha) with a recovery/survival 50 % (750 nos). In January 1993, Mr. Phone received a 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was again given detailed technical advice on his pond fish and rice-cum-fish culture activity. He re-stocked his 0.04 ha fish pond with 400 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months he harvested 8 kg fish (200 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery/survival of 60 % (240 pcs). In his 0.45 ha rice field, he re-stocked 1,350 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g (which also included the 500 common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project). After three months, he harvested 69 kg fish (153 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 77.8 % (1,050 pcs). In 1994 he stocked his 0.08 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (6,250/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After six months he harvested 25 kgs fish (312.5 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery of 70 % (350 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Phone was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 642,000 in 1991, K 685,000 in 1992 being K 55,000 from 55 kg fish from rice field and pond and K 735,200 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 735,200 included K 300,000 from sticky rice (2,500 kg from lowland and 500 kg from upland) + K 77,000 from fish (8 kg from fish pond and 69 kg from rice field) + K 274,700 from livestock and K 83,500 from fruits, vegetables and corn. While his 1994 income of K 750,500 include K 340,000 from 3,400 kg sticky rice + K 37,500 from 25 kg fish in pond + K 158,000 from livestock and K 215,000 from fruits and vegetables. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic condition of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Phone is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he's applying to achieve higher fish production in the future.

District : Mouang Kham
Village : Ban Hok
Name of farmer : Mr. Phothao Oui (SN-11)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture
General information : He is a medium farmer with 12 members in the family. He practises culture of fish with rice in a 0.65 ha rice field and culture of fish in pond in his 0.04 ha area fish pond. In additional 0.5 ha area he grows upland rice and in another 1.0 ha area he grows corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Phothao Oui started aquaculture in 1989. In 1992 he produced 50 kg from his 0.65 ha rice field (77 kg/ha) and 3 kg fish from this 0.04 ha fish pond (75 kg/ha). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carps and some local species. From August 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included proper fixing of screens at water inlets and outlets, pond and rice field preparations, stocking densities of selected species, and maintaining the desired water levels in the rice field for the benefit of rice and fish as well. He stocked his 0.65 ha rice field with 3,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (4,615/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After three months, he harvested 75 kg fish (115 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery/survival of 66.7 % (2,000 pcs). In his 0.04 ha fish pond he stocked 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (12,500/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months, he harvested 4 kg fish (100 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery/ survival of 35 % (175 pcs). In January 1993 Phothao Oui son's Mr. Som Oui received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was given detailed technical advice on his rice-cum-fish and pond fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.65 ha rice field with 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,077/ha) at an average size of 1–5 g. After three months, he harvested 85 kg fish (131 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery/survival rate of 75 % (1,500 nos). In his 0.04 ha fish pond he re-stocked 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (12,500/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months he harvested 5 kg fish (125 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 40 % (200 pcs). In 1994 he stocked his 0.04 ha fish pond with 600 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (15,000/ha) at an average size of 10–15 g. After six months he harvested 30 kg fish (750 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 50 % (300 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Phothao Oui was on an average three times in every two months.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 1,503,000 in 1991, K 618,000 in 1992 being K 79,0000 from 79 kg fish from rice field and pond and K 1,729,350 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 1,729,350 included K 450,000 from sticky rice (3,500 kg from lowland and 1,000 kg from upland) + K 90,000 from fish (5 kg from fish pond and 85 kg from rice field) + K 569,350 from livestock + K 620,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While his 1994 income of K 1,195,000 include K 415,000 from 4,150 kg sticky rice + K 45,000 from 30 kg fish in pond + K 117,000 from livestock + K 548,000 from fruits, vegetables and corn, and K 70,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish culture activities.
Comments : Mr. Phothao Oui is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had shown his interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, performance and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he is applying aimed at achieving much higher fish production in the future.

District : Mouang Kham
Village : Ban Hok
Name of farmer : Mr. Khamla (SN-12)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture + Rice-cum-fish.
General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in his 0.05 ha fishpond area and culture of fish with rice in his 0.15 ha area rice field. In additional 0.6 ha rice field he grows rice without fish and in another 0.30 ha area he grows fruits, corn and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected. Mr. Khamla started aquaculture in 1990. In 1991 he produced 10 kg fish in his 0.1 ha fish pond 100 kg/ha and 20 kg fish in his 0.15 ha rice field (133 kg/ha). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. From August 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets, pond and rice field preparations, stocking density of selected species, and maintaining the desired water depth in the rice field for the benefit of rice and fish as well. He stocked his 0.1 ha fish pond with 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–4 g. After six months he harvested 12 kg fish (120 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery/ survival of 50 % (500 nos). In his 0.15 ha rice field he stocked 600 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (4,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After three months he harvested 25 kg fish (167 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery/survival of 83 % (500 nos). In January 1993 Mr. Khamla received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was given detailed technical advice on his pond fish and rice-cum-fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.1 ha fish pond with 800 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (8,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After six months, he harvested 15 kg fish (150 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 60% (480 pcs). In his 0.15 ha rice field he re-stocked 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,333/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After three months he harvested 30 kg fish (200 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery/survival of 90 % (450 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamla stocked 450 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha fishpond (9,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–10 g. After more than four months he harvested 25 kg fish (500 kg/ha/135 days) with recovery of 88.9 % (400 pcs). He also conducted rice-cum-fish culture by stocking 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.6 ha ricefield (3,333.3/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After almost two months he produced 82 kgs fish (136.7 kg/ha/52 days) with a survival rate of 85 % (1,700 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamla was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 470,000 in 1991, K 497,000 in 1992 being K 37,000 from 37 kg fish from pond and rice field and K 514,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 514,000 included K 240,000 from sticky rice (2,400 kg) + K 45,000 from fish (15 kg from fish pond and 30 kg from rice field) + K 152,000 from livestock and K 77,000 from vegetables, fruits and corns. While his 1994 income of K 1,046,000 include K 250,000 from 2,500 kg sticky rice + K 160,500 from fish (25 kg from pond and 82 kg from rice field) + K 215,000 from livestock + K 370,500 from fruits and vegetables and K 50,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Khamla is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, interest and continued technical advice by the project will refine the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving much higher fish production.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Sirivane (SN-13)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture & Rice + fish culture.
General information : He is a medium farmer with 7 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in ponds with an area of 0.3 ha and culture of fish in rice field with an area of 1.9 ha. In additional 0.5 ha area he grows corn, fruits and vegetables and the remaining 1.8 ha of his total 3.7 ha rice field is planted with sticky rice without fish. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected. Mr. Sirivane started aquaculture in 1988. In 1991 he produced 150 kg fish in his former 0.5 ha fish pond (300 kg/ha) and 200 kg fish in his 1.9 ha rice field (105 kg/ha). The fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and local species. From 1992 July the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond and rice field preparations, stocking densities of selected species, fixing of proper screens at water inlets and outlets and fish feeding/fertilization. He stocked his 0.5 ha fish pond with 5,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) of 1–5 g size. After six months of culture he harvested 250 kg (500 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 50 % (2,500 pcs). In his 1.9 ha rice field he stocked with 9,500 tilapia and common carp fingerling (5,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After three months of culture with rice he harvested 250 kg (131.6 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery of 50 % (4,750 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Sirivane received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In the year 1993, Mr. Sirivane was given detailed technical advice on his pond and rice-cum-fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.5 ha fish pond with 3,750 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (7,500/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months of culture, the production obtained was 300 kg (600 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 70 % (2,625 pcs). In his 1.9 ha rice field, he stocked 5,700 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings at an average stocking size of 1–5g (3,000/ha). After three months of culture with rice, he obtained fish production of 300 kg (157.9 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery of 60 % (3,420 pcs). It was observed that the production of fish, percentage survival and size of harvested fish improved when the stocking density was lowered both in the fish pond and in the rice field as well. In 1994, Mr. Sirivane stocked tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.3 ha fishpond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–10 g. After six months he harvested 300 kg fish (1,000 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery of 90 % (2,700 pcs). He also conducted rice-cum-fish culture in his 1.9 ha ricefield by stocking 6,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,157.9/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–7 g. After three months he obtained a fish production of 350 kg fish (184 kg/ha/90 days) with a recovery of 75 % (4,500 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Sirivane was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 1,550,000 in 1991 being 350,000 from 350 kg fish (150 kg from pond and 200 kg from rice field), K 1,800,000 in 1992 being K 500,000 from 500 kg fish (250 kg from pond and 250 kg from rice field) and K 1,953,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of 1,953,000 included K 1,000,000 from sticky rice (10,000 kg) + K 600,000 from fish (300 kg from fish pond and 300 kg from rice field) + 238,000 from livestock and K 115,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While the 1994 income of K 2,400,500 include K 1,050,000 from 10,500 kg sticky rice + K 975,000 from fish (300 kg from pond and 350 kg from rice field) + K 221,500 from livestock + K 103,700 from fruits, vegetables, corn, etc and K 50,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Sirivane is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project carefully. He has shown keen interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. It is expected that he would serve as a model farmer particularly in pond fish culture system. His performance, attitude, receptivity and continued technical advice by the project will in the future help in refining the technology package best suited in his area as well as in assessing his future needs in terms of funds and facilities.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Phong (SN-14)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture
General information : He is a poor farmer with 9 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in pond in his 0.5 ha fish pond. In additional 3.96 ha rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 0.5 ha upland area he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in September 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Phong started aquaculture in 1990. In 1991 he produced 15 kg fish in his 0.5 ha fish pond and 0.23 ha rice field combined. The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and other local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included screening of water inlets and outlets, pond and rice field preparations, fish feeding and fertilization. He stocked his 0.5 ha fish pond with 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (4,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–4 g. In-between the culture period in ponds the fish were released into his 0.23 ha rice field for three months (density of 8,695.6/ha). After about six months in fish pond and rice fields, Mr. Phong harvested 20 kg fish (40 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 50 % (100 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Phong received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In the same year, he was given detailed technical advice on his pond fish/rice-cum-fish culture activity. He re-stocked his 0.5 ha fish pond with 1,500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. He again released the fish from his fish pond into his 0.23 ha rice field (6,521.7/ha) in-between culture period in the ponds and reared together with rice for three months. After six months of culture in pond and rice fields, Mr. Phong harvested 30 kg fish (60 kg/ha/180 days in fish pond and rice fields together). In 1994, Mr. Phong stocked 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.5 ha fishpond (4,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–10 g. After six months he harvested 45 kg fish (90 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 40 % (800 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Phong was on an average three times in every two months.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 565,000 in 1991, K 610,000 1992 being K 20,000 from 20 kg fish from pond and rice field and K 631,700 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 631,700 included K 4,000 from sticky rice (4,000 kg) + K 30,000 from fish in pond of fish and rice field combined + K 106,700 from livestock and + K 95,000 from fruits and vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 1,092,250 include K 600,000 from sticky rice (6,000 kg) + K 67,500 from fish (45 kg from pond) + K 170,000 from livestock and K 254,750 from fruits and vegetables. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Phong is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, interest and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he's been applying to achieve higher fish production in the future.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Siengkhan (SN-15)
Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture
General information : He is a poor farmer with 11 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in his 0.2 ha area rice field. In additional 1.10 ha he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 0.05 ha area he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in August 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Siengkham started rice-cum-fish culture in 1991. In 1991 he produced 7 kg fish from his 0.09 ha rice field (77.8 kg/ ha). The fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activity which included proper fixing of water inlets and outlets screens, stocking densities of selected species, and regulating properly the depth of water for the benefit of rice and fish as well. He stocked his 0.09 ha rice field with 250 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (2,777.8/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After three months of culture with rice, he produced 10 kg fish (111 kg/ha/90 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 80 % (200 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Siengkhan received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was again given detailed technical advice on his fish culture activity. The project supplied him free 206 pcs common carp fingerlings and stocked in his 0.09 ha rice field (2,288.9/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–3 g. After 87 days of culture he harvested 14.6 kg fish (162 kg/ha/87 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 99 % (204 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Siengkhan stocked 752 common carp fingerlings in his 0.2 ha rice field (3,760/ha) at an average stocking size of 4.0 g. After more than three months, he produced 35 kg fish (175 kg/ha/103 days) with recovery of 66.5 % (500 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Siengkhan was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 457,000 in 1991, K 465,000 in 1992 being K 10,000 from 10 kg fish from rice field and K 472,800 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 472,800 included K 350,000 from sticky rice (3000 kg from lowland and 500 kg from upland) + K 14,600 from fish (14.6 kg from rice field) + K 94,700 from livestock and + K 13,500 from vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 679,450 include K 300,0000 from sticky rice (3,000 kg) + K 52,500 from fish (35 kg from pond) + K 133,500 from livestock and K 193,450 from fruits and vegetables. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Siengkhan is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had shown interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he's been applying in achieving higher fish production.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer: Mr. Khamsoan (SN-16)
Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture
General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices rice cultivation with fish culture in a 0.3 ha area. In additional 1.5 ha he grows sticky rice, fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in August 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Khamsoan started aquaculture in 1976. In 1991 he produced 30 kg fish in his 0.3 ha rice field (100 kg/ha). The species of fish grown were mostly tilapia, common carp and other local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included fixing of proper screens at water inlets and outlets, stocking density of fingerlings of selected species, and regulating properly the level of water in the rice field for the benefit of rice crop and fish as well. He harvested 45 kg from his 0.3 ha rice field after three months of culture with rice. The stocking density was 5,000/ha (1,500 pcs) with stocking size of 3–5 g average and percentage recovery of 50 % (750 pcs). Fish production per hectare was 150 kg/ha/90 days tilapia and common carp species cultured. In January 1993 Mr. Khamsoan received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In the same year 1993, he was also given detailed technical advice on rice-cum-fish culture. He restocked his 0.3 ha rice field with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (1,666/ha) at a stocking size of 10–15 g. After 100 days of culture with rice, the production obtained was 50 kg (166.7 kg/ha/100 days) with percentage recovery of 95 % (475 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamsoan stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings into his 0.3 ha ricefield (3,333.3/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After almost three months, he produced 30 kg fish and 15 kg fingerlings (150 kg/ha/81 days) with recovery of 40 % (400 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamsoan was on an average three times in every two months.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was around K 470,000 in 1991, K 495,000 in 1992 being K 45,000 from 45 kg fish from rice field and K 510,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 510,000 included K 350,000 from sticky rice (3,500 kg) + K 50,000 from fish (50 kg from rice-cum-fish culture) + K 10,000 from livestock and K 100,000 from vegetables, fruits. While the 1994 income of 1,092,250 include K 600,000 from sticky rice (6,000 kg) + K 67,500 from fish (45 kg from rice field) + K 170,000 from livestock and k 254,750 from fruits and vegetables. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Khamsoan is an enthusiastic farmer who followed willingly the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, receptivity and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he is applying in his fish farming system.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Inthavong (SN-17)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture
General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in his 0.05 ha fish pond. In additional 2.5 ha rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 0.1 ha upland area he grows vegetables and fruits. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in August 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Inthavong started aquaculture in 1987. In 1991 he produced 10 kg fish in his 0.05 ha fish pond (200 kg/ha). The fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and other local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond preparations, stocking densities of selected species, and proper screening of water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.02 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (25,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months of culture he harvested 8 kg (400 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 50 % (250 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Inthavong received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this year 1993, he was given detailed technical advice on his pond fish culture as well. He re-stocked his 0.05 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months of culture, he harvested 15 kg fish (300 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 60 % (300 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Inthavong stocked 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 7–10 g. After six months, he harvested 20 kg fish (400 kg/ha/180 days with recovery of 50 % (250 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Inthavong was on an average three times in every two months.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 730,000 in 1991, K 742,000 in 1992 being K 12,000 from 12 kg pond fish and K 765,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 765,000 included K 600,000 from sticky rice + K 15,000 from 15 kg fish in pond + K 75,000 from livestock and + K 75,000 from vegetables and fruits. While the 1994 income of k 1,326,500 included K 800,000 from sticky rice (8,000 kg) + K 30,000 from fish (20 kg from pond ) + K 90,000 from livestock + K 356,500 from fruits and vegetables and K 50,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Inthavong is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He has shown interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he is applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Sompoo (SN-18)
Main farming system : pond fish culture + Rice-cum-fish
General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in pond in his 0.05 ha area fish pond and culture of fish with rice in his 0.3 ha area rice field. In additional 1.5 ha rice field he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 0.3 ha upland area he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in August 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Sompoo started aquaculture in 1991. In 1991 he produced 10 kg from his 0.05 ha fish pond and 0.3 ha rice field combined (200 kg/ha in fish pond ). The species of fish were mostly tilapia, common carp and some other local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included fixing of proper screens at water inlets and outlets of his pond and rice field, pond and rice field preparations, stocking densities of selected species, pond fertilization, fish feeding and regulating proper depth of the water for the benefit of rice and fish as well. He stocked his 0.05 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months he harvested 10 kg (200 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 60 % (300 pcs). In his 0.3 ha rice field, he stocked 1000 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,333/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After three months, he harvested 20 kg fish (66.7 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery of 50 % (500 pcs) In January 1993, Mr. Sompoo received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, Mr. Sompoo was also given detailed technical advice on his pond fish and rice-cum-fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.05 ha fish pond with 400 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (8,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months, he harvested 15 kg fish (300 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 75 % (300 nos). In his 0.3 ha rice field, he re-stocked with 900 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After three months of culture with rice, he harvested 35 kg fish (116.7 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery of 66.7 % (600 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Sompoo stocked 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha fishpond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After six months he produced 30 kg fish (600 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 80 % (400 pcs). He also conducted culture of fish with rice by stocking 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.3 ha rice field (6,666.7/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After three months of culture with rice he harvested 50 kg fish (166.7 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery rate of 70 % (1,400 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Sompoo was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 660,000 in 1991, K 730,000 in 1992 being K 30,000 from 30 kg fish from pond and rice field and K 796,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 796,000 included K 450,000 from sticky rice (4,500 kg) + K 50,000 from fish (15 kg from pond and 35 kg from rice field) + K 126,000 from livestock and K 170,000 from vegetables and fruits. While the 1994 income of K 906,750 include K 500,000 from 5,000 kg sticky rice + K 120,000 from fish (30 kg from pond and 50 kg from rice field) + K 118,500 from livestock and K 118,250 from fruits and vegetables. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Sompoo is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had shown interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, interest and continued technical advice by the project will further refine his technology aimed at achieving much higher fish production in the future.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Loykham (SN-19)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture + Rice-cum-fish
General information : He is a poor farmer with 11 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in pond with an area of 0.08 ha and rice-cum-fish culture in a 0.05 ha rice field. In additional 2.0 ha rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 0.2 ha upland area he grows vegetables and fruits. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in August 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Loykham started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991 he produced 5 kg fish in his 0.02 ha fish pond (250 Kg/ha). The fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and other local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond preparations, fertilization, fish feeding, stocking densities of selected species, and proper screening at water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.02 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (25,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months of culture he harvested 8 kg (400 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 50 % (250 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Loykham received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In the same year, he was again given detailed technical advice on his pond fish culture activity. He re-stocked his 0.02 ha fish pond with 200 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months of culture, he harvested was 10 kg fish (500 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 80 % (160 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Loykham stocked 800 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.08 ha fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After six months he harvested 24 kg fish (300 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 90 % (450 pcs). He also stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.2 ha rice field (5,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 4–6 g. After three months he produced 25 kg fish (125 kg/ha/90 days). Recovery was 70 % (700 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Loykham was on an average three times in every month.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 695,000 in 1991, K 708,000 in 1992 being K 8,000 from 8 kg pond fish and K 725,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 725,000 included K 600,000 from sticky rice (6,000 kg) + K 10,000 from fish (10 kg from fish pond) + K 15,000 from livestock and + K 100,000 from vegetables and fruits. While the 1994 income of K 770,500 include K 500,000 from 5,000 kg sticky rice + K 43,500 from fish (24 kg from pond and 5 kg from rice field) + K 10,500 from livestock and K 216,500 from fruits and vegetables. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Loykham is and enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He has shown interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he is applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Somchai (SN-20)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture + Rice-cum-fish
General information : He is a poor farmer with 11 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in his 0.05 ha area fish pond and rice-cum-fish culture in his 0.2 ha rice field. In additional 2.5 ha rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 0.2 ha upland area he grows vegetables and fruits. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in September 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Somchai started aquaculture in 1979. In 1991 he produced 12 kg fish from his 0.03 ha fish pond combined with his 0.2 ha area rice field. The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. In 1992 Mr. Somchai was not able to engage in fish culture activities due to unavailability of fish seed and lack of fund. In January 1993, Mr. Chomchai received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities by giving technical advices on pond preparations, fertilization, proper screening of water inlets and outlets and stocking density of selected species. In July 1993 he stocked his 0.05 ha fish pond with 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After five months, he harvested 20 kg fish (400 kg/ha/150 days) with recovery of 80 % (400 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Somchai stocked 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha pond (10,000/ha). After six months , he harvested 30 kg fish (600 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 90 % (450 pcs). He also stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.1 ha rice field (5,000/ha) at an average size of 4–6 g. After three months, he produced 25 kg fish (125 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery of 70 % (700 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Somchai was on an average three times in every two months.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 832,000 in 1991, K 850,000 in 1992 but no fish culture carried out and K 884,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 884,000 included K 700,000 from sticky rice (7,000 kg) + K 20,000 from 20 kg fish + K 57,000 from livestock and + K 107,000 from fruits, corn and vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 2,064,000 include K 900,000 from 9,000 kg sticky rice + K 82,500 from fish (30 kg from pond and 25 kg from rice field) + K 245,000 from livestock + K 336,500 from vegetables and fruits and K 500,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Somchai is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture by engaging back to fish pond culture after a year's inactivity. His attitude, interest and continued technical advice by the project will further improve the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving higher fish production in the future.

District : Mouang Kham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Singthong (SN-21)
Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture + Pond fish culture.
General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices fish cultivation with rice in a 0.05 ha area and culture of fish in his 0.03 ha fish pond. In additional 2.05 area he grows rice, corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock and small rice mill.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected. Mr. Singthong has just started rice-cum-fish culture in 1992. In July 1992 the project assisted him in starting his rice-cum-fish culture activities which included rice field preparations, stocking density of selected species, fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets and regulating properly the level of water for the benefit of the rice crop and fish as well. He harvested 10 kg fish from his 0.05 ha rice field after 3 months (200 kg/ha/90 days). Stocking density was 5,000/ha (250 pcs at average size of 2–3 g) with survival of 80 %. In January 1993, Mr. Singthong received a 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In July 1993, the project supervised preparation of his 0.05 ha rice field and supplied free 200 common carp fingerlings at stocking rate of 4,000/ha. The average stocking size was 5.3 g and 6.8 cm. The fish were harvested after 73 days. Survival of fingerlings was 98 % (196 pcs) with and average size of 71.43 and 15.66 cm and total fish production was 14 kg (280 kg/ha/73 days). In 1994, Mr. Singthong stocked 210 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha ricefield (4,200/ha) at an average stocking size of 11 g. After three months he produced 12 kg fish (240 kg/ha/90 days) with recovery rate of 54 % (113 pcs). He also stocked his 0.03 ha pond with 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After six months he harvested 20 kg fish (666.7 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 85 % (255 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Singthong was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was only around K 520,000 in 1991, K 838,000 in 1992, and K 862,350 in 1993. The income of K 862,350 in 1993 included K 520,000 from sticky rice (5,200 kg) + K 14,000 from fish in rice field + K 233,350 from livestock and K 95,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While his 1994 income of K 2,041,000 include K 450,000 from 4,500 kg sticky rice + K 48,000 from fish (20 kg from pond and 12 kg from rice field) + K 333,000 from livestock + K 250,000 from fruits and vegetables and K 960,000 from rice mill, cloth weaving, salary and other sources. However, It is evident that both the nutritional and financial conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish culture activities.
Comments : Mr. Singthong is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project carefully. He has shown deep interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project shall help in refining the technical package for him as well as in assessing his future needs in terms of funds and farm facilities.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Bane
Name of farmer : Mr. Khamphet (SN-22)
Main farming system : Pond fish culture + Rice-cum-fish
General information : He is a poor farmer with 6 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in an area of 0.1 ha fish pond and rice-cum-fish culture in a 0.15 ha ricefield. In additional 1.0 ha rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 0.1 ha upland area he grows vegetables and fruits. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in August 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Khamphet started aquaculture in 1989. In 1991 he produced 25 kg fish in his 0.1 ha fish pond (250 kg/ha). The fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond preparations, fertilization, fish feeding, stocking densities of selected species, and proper screening at water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.1 ha fish pond with 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (20,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–3 g. After six months of culture he harvested 40 kg (400 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 50 % (1,000 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Khamphet received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In the same year, he was again given detailed technical advice on his pond fish culture activity. He re-stocked his 0.1 ha fish pond with 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months of culture, he harvested 50 kg fish (500 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 80 % (800 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamphet stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.1 ha fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–7 g. After six months he harvested 40 kg fish (400 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 70 % (700 pcs). He also stocked 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings into his 0.15 ha ricefield (3,333.3/ha) at a stocking size of 5–7 g. After almost three months he produced 23 kg fish (153.3 kg/ha/82 days) with recovery of 86 % (430 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamphet was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 625,000 in 1991, K 640,000 1992 being 40,000 from 40 kg pond fish and K 687,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 687,000 included K 400,000 from sticky rice (4,000 kg) + K 50,000 from fish (50 kg from fish pond) + K 217,000 from livestock and K 20,000 from vegetables, fruits. While the 1994 income of K 904,500 include K 450,000 from 4,500 kg sticky rice + K 94,500 from fish (40 kg from pond and 23 kg from rice field) + K 45,000 from livestock + K 265,000 from fruits and vegetables and K 50,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Khamphet is an enthusiastic farmer who followed willingly the technical advice given by the project. He has shown interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

District : Mouangkham
Village : Ban Chomthong
Name of farmer : Mr. Douangsy (SN-23)
Main farming system : Fish culture in ponds
General information : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in his 0.02 ha area fish pond and culture of fish with rice in his 0.1 ha area rice field. In additional 0.6 ha area rice field he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 0.2 ha upland area he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in June 1993 when he assumed as the new Village Chief of Ban Chomthong replacing the late Mr. Chansy. Mr. Douangsy started aquaculture in 1980. In 1991 he produced 5 kg fish in his 0.1 ha fish pond (200/kg/ha). The species of fish produced were tilapia, and some local species. In 1992, he produced 10 kg fish from his 0.1 ha fish pond (100 kg/ha). From June 1993 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which include fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets, pond and rice field preparations, fertilization and fish feeding. He stocked his 0.1 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months, he harvested 15 kg (150kg/ha/180 days) with percentage survival of 80 % (400 pcs). In his 0.018 ha rice field he stocked 100 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5,555.6/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After three months, he harvested 5 kgs fish (278 kg/ha/90 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 75 % (75 pcs). In June 1993, Mr. Douangsy received 7-day training on fish seed production organized by the project at Khangpho fish farm which also included actual field work. In 1994, Mr. Douangsy stocked 120 tilapia and common carp fingerlings into his remaining 0.02 ha fishpond (6,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 7–10 g. After six months he harvested 15 kg fish (750 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 90 % (108 pcs). He also stocked his 0.1 ha rice field with 200 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (2,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After more than four months he produced 20 kg fish (200 kg/ha/130 days) with recovery rate of 82.5 % (165 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Douangsy was on an average two times in a month.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 505,000 in 1991, K 840,000 in 1992 being K 10,000 from 10 kg pond fish and K 871,700 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 871,700 included K 600,000 from sticky rice (6,000 kg) + K 20,000 from fish (15 kg from pond and 5 kg from rice field) + K 186,700 from livestock and K 65,000 from fruits and vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 1,489,500 include K 160,000 from sticky rice (1,600 kg) + K 52,500 from fish (15 kg from pond and 20 kg from rice field) + K 354,000 from livestock + K 273,000 from fruits and vegetables etc.. and K 650,000 from salary and other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming activities.
Comments : Mr. Douangsy is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had shown his interest in aquaculture and shared his experience with other farmers. His attitude, interest and continued technical advice by the project will further improve the fish culture technology he's been applying to achieve higher fish production in the future.

District : Mouang Kham
Village : Chomthong
Name of farmer : Mr. Thavone (SN-24)
Main farming system : Fish Culture in Ponds
General informations : He is a medium farmer with 6 members in the family. He practices fish culture in ponds in 0.2 ha area. In additional 0.5 ha area he grows rice. His total family income comes from the said farming practices plus raising of livestock and doing business in the district market.
Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in August 1992 when the above general informations were collected.

Mr. Thavone started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991 he produced 30 kg fish in his 0.2 ha ponds (150 kg/ha). The species of fish grown were mostly tilapia, common carp and local species. From August 1992, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond preparation, fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets, stocking density and fish feeding. He stocked his 0.2 ha fish pond with 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) with an average size of 2–3 g. After six months he harvested 40 kg (200 kg/ha/180 days) with a survival rate of 50 % (1,000 pcs). In 1993 January, Mr. Thavone received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. He stocked his 0.2 ha fish pond with 1,500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings at an average size of 2–3 g (7,500/ha). After six months, he harvested 50 kg (250 kg/ha/180 days) with survival of 60 % (900 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Thavone stocked 1,500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.2 ha fishpond (7,500/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–7 g. After six months he harvested 80 kg fish (400 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 66.7 % (1,000 pcs).

The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Thavone was on an average three times in every two months.
Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was around K 1,260,000 in 1991, K 1,770,000 in 1992, and K 2,080,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 2,080,000 included K 230,000 from sticky rice (2,300 kg) + K 50,000 from 50 kg fish in his ponds + K 525,000 from livestock and K 1,275,000 from business practices. While his 1994 income of K 4, 125,000 include K 230,000 from 2,300 kg sticky rice + K 120,000 from 80 kg fish from pond + K 775,000 from livestock + K 3,000,000 from business practices. However, it is evident that the adoption of improved fish farming activity had contributed to the farmer's family nutritional and financial conditions.
Comments : Mr. Thavone is a progressive farmer who followed willingly the technical advice given by the project. He has shown deep interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will help in refining the technology package that best suit in his area.