CHAPTER IV (Contd.)

1. District : Mouangkham

2. Village : Ban Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Thong-in (SN-25)

4. Main farming system : Integrated fish farming

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 2 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in his 0.015 ha area fish pond. As a retired government employee he did not cultivate rice or did some gardening. His total family income came from government service pension, small business practices in the district market and raising of livestock with fish culture.

6. 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. Thong-in started aquaculture in 1990. In 1991 he produced 3 kg fish from his 0.015 ha pond (200/kg/ha). The species of fish produced were tilapia, and some other local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his pond fish culture activities by giving technical advices on pond preparation, stocking density of selected species, pond fertilization and feeding. He stocked his 0.015 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 4–5 g. After six months, he harvested 4 kg (267 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage survival of 66 % (100 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Thong-in received a three-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was also given detailed technical advice on his pond fish culture activity. He restocked his 0.015 ha fish pond with 150 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings which included the 30 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 4–5 g. After six months, he harvested 5 kg (333 kg/ha/ 180 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 80 % (120 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Thong-in stocked 150 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.015 ha fishpond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 7–10 g and integrated with three pigs. After six months, he harvested 15 kg fish (1,000 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 90 % (135 nos).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Thong-in was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 603,000 in 1991, K 704,000 in 1992 being K 4,000 from 4 kg pond fish and K 744,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 744,000 included K 5,000 from fish ( 5 kg in his pond) + K 139,000 from livestock + K 50,000 from government service pension and K 550,000 from business practices in the district market. While his 1994 income of K 1,037,500 include K 22,500 from from fish (15 kg from pond) + K 97,000 from livestock and + K 918,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that the adoption of improved fish farming activity contributed in one way or another to the improvement of the family's nutritional and economic conditions.

8. Comments : Mr. Thong-in is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture and shared experiences with other farmers. His attitude, interest and continued technical advice by the project will further refine his fish culture technology aimed at achieving higher fish production in the future.

1. District : Mouangkham

2. Village : Ban Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Khampha (SN-26)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in pond

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in his 0.01 ha area fish pond. In additional 1.2 ha rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 0.025 ha upland he grows vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Khampha started aquaculture in 1993. In January 1993, Mr. Khampha received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, the project got involved in starting his fish culture activities by giving technical advices on his fish pond excavation, pond preparation, manuring/fertilization, screening of water inlets and outlets and stocking densities of selected species. In July 1993, he initially stocked his 0.01 ha fish pond with 100 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After five months he harvested 3 kg fish (300 kg/ha/ 150 days) with recovery of 50 % (50 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khampha stocked 100 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.01 ha fishpond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–10 g. After six months, he harvested 5 kg fish (500 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 75 % (75 nos).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khampha was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 700,000 in 1991, K 750,000 in 1992 but no fish culture done and K 771,400 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 771,400 included K 500,000 from sticky rice (5,000 kg) + K 3,000 from 3 kg fish + K 241,400 from livestock + K 27,000 from vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 1,216,000 include K 460,000 from sticky rice (4,600 kg) + K 7,500 from fish (5 kg from pond) + K 280,000 from livestock + K 36,500 from vegetables and + K 432,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic condition of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish farming practices.

8. Comments : Mr. Khampha is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture activities by starting to engage in fish farming activity in the year 1993. He is assured of continuous technical assistance by the project staff depending on his attitude, interest and receptivity of technical advice by the project staff.

1. District : Mouang Kham

2. Village : Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Maikham (SN-27)

4. Main farming system : Fish Culture in Ponds + Rice-cum-fish

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in 0.3 ha fish pond and with rice in 0.05 ha rice field. In additional 0.3 ha area he grows corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. Project activities : The national and international staff of LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected. Mr. Maikham started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991 he produced 30 kg fish in his 0.32 ha rice field (94 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 proper screens at water inlets and outlets, fish pond and rice field preparations, 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. After six months, he harvested 75 kg fish from his 0.3 ha fish pond (250 kg/ha/180 days), and in the 0.32 ha rice field he harvested 40 kg fish (125 kg/ha) after 90 days. His stocking density in the fish pond was 10,000/ha (3,000 pcs at an average size of 2–3 g) with a survival of 60 % (1,800 pcs). Stocking density in the 0.32 ha rice field was 4,687.5/ha (1,500 pcs at an average size of 2–3 g) with survival of 70 % (1,050 pcs).

   In January 1993, Mr. Maikham received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In the same year, he was given detailed technical advice on pond fish culture and rice-cum-fish culture as well. He stocked his 0.3 ha fish pond with tilapia and common carp at 10,000/ha (3,000 pcs at average size of 2–3 g), and his 0.32 ha rice field at 3,125/ha (1,000 pcs at average stocking size of 2–3 g). After 6 months he harvested 100 kg from his 0.3 ha fish pond (333 kg/ha/ 180 days) with a survival of 70 % (2,100 pcs), and in the 0.32 ha rice field he harvested 50 kg fish after 90 days of culture (156 kg/ha (90 days) with a survival of 80% (800 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Maikham stocked 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.3 ha fishpond (6,666.7/ha) at an average stocking size of 7–10 g. After six months, he harvested 150 kg fish (500 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 85 % (1,700 pcs). He also undertake rice-cum-fish culture by stocking 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha ricefield (6,000/ha) and after more than two months he produced 10 kg fish (200 kg/ha/70 days) with recovery of 83 % (250 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Maikham was on an average two times in a month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was only around K 530,000 in 1991, K 595,000 in 1992 and K 648,400 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 648,400 included K 150,000 from sticky rice (1,500 kg) from fish (100 kg from pond and 50 kg from rice field) + K 293,400 from livestock and K 55,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While his 1994 income of K 740,000 include K 180,000 from 1,800 kg sticky rice + K 240,000 from fish (150 kg from pond and 10 kg from ricefield) + K 130,000 from livestock + K 140,000 from fruits, vegetables and corn, and K 50,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and financial condition of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish culture activities.

8. Comments : Mr. Maikham is a progressive farmer who willingly followed the technical advice given to him 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 in the future help in refining his technical package as well as in assessing his future needs in terms of funds and farm facilities.

1. District : Mouangkham

2. Village : Ban Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamkeo (SN-28)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in ponds + Rice-cum-fish.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices fish culture in 0.27 ha fishpond and with rice in a 0.16 ha rice field. In additional 0.17 ha area he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock and salary from the district government office.

6. 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. Khamkeo started aquaculture in 1984. In 1991 he produced 20 kg fish in his 0.17 ha fishpond (118 kg/ha) and 30 kg in his 0.16 ha rice field (187.5 kg/ha). From July 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, pond fertilization and fish feeding. He harvested 30 kg from his 0.17 ha fish pond (176.5 kg/ha) after six months of culture. The stocking density was 5,882/ha (1,000 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings) at average stocking size of 2–3 g and percentage survival of 60 % (600 pcs). In 0.16 ha rice field, he harvested 50 kg (312.5 kg/ha) after 3 months of culture with rice. The fish stocking density was 5,000/ha (800 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings) at average size of 5–6 g and percentage survival of 60 % (480 pcs). In 1993 January, Mr. Khamkeo received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this year, he was also given detailed technical advice on pond fish culture and fish culture with rice. He stocked his 0.17 ha fish pond with tilapia and common carp fingerlings at a stocking density of 6,000/ha (1,020 pcs with average size of 2–3 g). After 6 months the fish production obtained was 40 kg (156 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage survival of 60 % (612 pcs). He also stocked his 0.16 ha rice field with tilapia and common carp fingerlings at a stocking density of 3,000/ha (480 pcs with average size of 7–8 g) and after 3 months the fish production obtained was 60 kg (235 kg/ha/90 days) with percentage survival of 70% (336 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamkeo stocked 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.27 ha fishpond (7,407/ha) at an average stocking size of 4–5 g. After six months, he harvested 120 kg fish (444.4 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery rate of 80 % (1,600 pcs). In his 0.16 ha ricefield he stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (6,250/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After more than three months, he produced 40 kg fish (250 kg/ha/days) with recovery of 56 % (560 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamkeo was on an average two times in a month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was only around K 700,000 in 1991, K 830,000 in 1992 and K 950,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 950,000 included K 250,000 from sticky rice (K 2,500 kg) + K 100,000 from fish (40 kg from pond and 60 kg from rice field) + K 175,000 from livestock + K 20,000 from vegetables and fruits and K 405,000 from salary of district government service. While his 1994 income of K 1,504,000 include K 150,000 from 1,500 kg sticky rice + K 240,000 from fish (120 kg from pond and 40 kg from ricefield) + K 301,000 from livestock + K 690,000 from fruits and vegetables and K 813,000 from salary of government service. 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Khamkeo is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project willingly. He has shown continued interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will in future years help in refining the technology he's been applying aimed at increasing his present level of fish production.

1. District : Mouangkham

2. Village : Ban Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Bounsy (SN-29)

4. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish and Integrated fish farming.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in his 0.06 ha area fish pond and rice-cum-fish farming in his 0.015 ha ricefield. In additional 0.35 ha rice field he grows sticky rice. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock and doing small business in Mouangkham market.

6. 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. Bounsy started aquaculture late in 1992 first by developing a fish pond with an area of 0.06 ha. In January 1993, Mr. Bounsy received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, the project got involved in his initial fish culture activities by giving technical advices on fish pond construction, pond preparation, manuring and fertilization, screening of water inlets and outlets and stocking densities of selected species. In July 1993, he initially stocked 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings which included the 80 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project (5,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After five months he harvested 30 kg fish (500 kg/ ha/150 days) with recovery of 70 % (210 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Bounsy stocked 600 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.06 ha integrated pond (10,000/ha). After six months, he harvested 40 kg fish (666.7 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 75 % (450 pcs). He also stocked 50 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.015 ha ricefield (3,333.3/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–7 g. After almost two months, he produced 1.6 kg fish (106.7 kg/ha/58 days) with recovery rate of 90 % (45 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Bounsy was on an average two times in every month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 500,000 in 1991, K 600,000 in 1992 but no fish culture carried out and K 730,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 730,000 included K 100,000 from sticky rice (1,000 kg) + K 30,000 from 30 kg fish + K 54,000 from livestock and K 546,000 from small business in the market. In 1994, his total family income was K 1,087,400 being K 260,000 from sticky rice (2,600 kg) + K 177,400 from fish and livestock (40 kg from pond, 1.6 kg from ricefield and 6 pigs) and K 650,000 from business practices. 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Bounsy is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He shows his interest in aquaculture activities by starting to engage in fish farming in 1993. He was assured of technical assistance depending on his attitude, interest and receptivity of technical advice by the project staff.

1. District : Mouangkham

2. Village : Ban Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamdeng (SN-30)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in ponds

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices fish culture in 0.06 ha fish pond. In additional 0.9 ha rice field he grows strice and in another 0.31 ha upland he grows corns, fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock and government pension.

6. 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. Khamdeng started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991 he produced 6 kg fish in his 0.03 ha pond (200/kg/ha). The fish produced were tilapia, and some local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which include fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets in his fish pond, pond fertilization, pond preparation and stocking densities of selected species. He stocked his 0.03 ha fish pond with 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings ( 16,666.7/ha) at an average stocking size of 0.5-2 g. After eight months, he harvested 5 kg (166.7 kg/ha/240 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 50 % (250 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Khamdeng received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was also given detailed technical advice on his fish culture activity. He restocked his 0.03 ha fish pond with 300 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 0.5-2 g. After eight months, he harvested 10 kg (333 kg/ha/240 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 67 % (200 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamdeng stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.06 ha fish pond (16,666.7/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After six months, he harvested 48 kg fish (800 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 50 % (500 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamdeng was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 506,000 in 1991, K 555,000 in 1992 being K 5,000 from 5 kg pond fish and K 550,000 in 1993 (lower than in 1992 due to low rice production caused by pest infestation). The 1993 income of K 550,000 included K 250,000 from sticky rice (2,500 kg) + K 10,000 from 10 kg fish in the fish pond + K 26,000 from livestock + K 33,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn and K 231,000 from government pension and other sources. While his 1994 income of K 1,163,500 include K 300,000 from 3,000 kg sticky rice + K 72,000 from 48 kg fish in pond + K 135,000 from livestock + K 136,500 from fruits, vegetables and corn and K 520,000 from government pension 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Khamdeng is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had shown deep interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experience 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.

1. District : Mouangkham

2. Village : Ban Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Sangat. (SN.31)

4. Main farming system : Integrated Fish-Livestock + Rice-Cum-Fish

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in ponds with a total area of 0.1 ha integrated with livestock and rice-cum-fish culture in 0.05 ha rice field. In additional 0.01 ha he grows vegetables and fruits. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus annual government pension benefits, business practices and raising of livestock.

6. 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. Sangat started aquaculture 10 years before. In 1991 he produced 10 kg in his 0.1 ha pond (100 kg/ha). The species 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 proper screens at water inlets and outlets, pond preparation and stocking density of selected species. After one year, he harvested 15 kg from his 0.1 ha pond (150 kg/ha/year). Details of stocking density and period of fish culture in ponds were not available as he did not keep records of his farm activities. In January 1993, Mr. Sangat and his wife received 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 for culture of fish. He stocked tilapia and common carps at a density of 3,000/ha (150 pcs) with average size 5–6 g. After 3 months of culture, he produced 18 kg (360 kg/ha/90 days). Percentage recovery was 97 %. In 1993, Mr. Sangat was given detailed technical advice on pond fish culture and integration with livestock. He stocked his fish pond (0.1 ha) with tilapia and common carps (average size of 1–2 g) at a stocking density of 5,000/ha and integrated with 4 pigs including the piglet provided free by the project last November. Fish production obtained was 25 kg (250 kg/ha/180 days). Percentage recovery was 60– 70 %. In 1994, Mr. Sangat stocked 1,500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.1 ha integrated pond (15,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–7 g. After six months, he harvested 150 kg fish (1,500 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 75 % (1,125 pcs). In his rice-cum-fish culture activity, Mr. Sangat stocked 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha ricefield (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–7 g. After three months, he produced 20 kg fish (400 kg/ha) with a recovery of 70 % (350 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Sangat was on an average two times in a month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was around K 560,000 in 1991 being K 10,000 from 10 kg fish from fish pond, K 665,000 in 1992 being K 15,000 from 15 kg fish from fish pond and K 802,500 in 1993 which included K 50,000 from sticky rice (500 kg) + K 43,500 from fish (25 kg from fish pond and 18 kg from rice field) + K 10,000 from livestock and K 9,500 from vegetables and fruits + K 690,000 derived from business practices and annual government pension benefits. While the 1994 income of K 1,500,000 includes K 50,000 from sticky rice (500 kg) + K 255,000 from fish (150 kg from fish pond and 20 kg from rice field) + K 215,000 from livestock and K 176,500 from vegetables and fruits + K 804,000 derived from business practices and annual government pension benefits. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic conditions of the farmer's family improved through the adoption of improved fish farming technology introduced by the project.

8. Comments : Mr. Sangat is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project carefully. He has shown sustained interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experience with other farmers. It is expected that he would serve as model farmer particularly for integrated fish and livestock farming system. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project shall in future years help in refining his technology package as well as in assessing his future needs in terms of funds and facilities.

1. District : Mouangkham

2. Village : Ban Chomthong

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamphong (SN-32)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in pond

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 10 members in the family. He practices fish culture with rice in his 0.02 ha rice field. In additional 3.0 ha area he grows lowland and upland sticky rice and in another 0.05 ha le grows vegetables and fruits. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Khamphong started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991 he produced 3 kg fish in his 0.02 ha pond (150/kg/ha). The fish produced were tilapia, common carp and some local species. From September 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond preparations, pond fertilization, stocking densities of selected species and proper screening at water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.02 ha fishpond with 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (15,000/ha) at average stocking size of 1-5 g. After six months of culture he harvested 4 kg (200 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 50 % (150 pcs).

   In January 1993, Mr. Khamphong received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was also given detailed technical advice on his fish culture activity. He converted his 0.02 ha shallow pond into rice field and stocked with tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–3 g. After 3 months of culture with rice he harvested the 5 kg fish (250 kg/ha/90 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 75 % (150 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamphong stocked 400 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his expanded 0.04 ha former ricefield converted back into fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–10 g. After six months, he harvested 15 kg fish (375 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 62.5 % (250 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamphong was on an average three times in two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 753,000 in 1991, K 764,000 in 1992 being K 4,000 from 4 kg fish from rice field and K 783,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 783,000 included K 600,000 from sticky rice (6,000 kg) + K 5,000 from fish (5 kg fish from rice field) + K 148,000 from livestock and K 30,000 from vegetables and fruits. While the 1994 income of K 1,321,500 includes K 920,000 from 9,200 kg sticky rice + K 22,500 from fish in ricefield/pond + K 292,500 from livestock and K 86,500 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Khamphong is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had shown interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experience with other farmers. His attitude, performance and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

1. District : Mouang khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Veunso (SN-33)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in ponds

5. General information : He is a medium farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in 0.05 ha fish pond. In additional 2.68 ha area he grows rice, fruits and vegetables. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock and salary from district government service.

6. 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. Veunso started aquaculture in 1990. In 1991 he produced 10 kg in his 0.05 ha fish pond (200 kg/ha). The species grown were mostly tilapia, common carp and local species. From July 1992, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond preparation, stocking density of selected species, fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets and pond fertilization. He harvested 15 kg fish from his 0.05 ha fish pond (300 kg/ha) after 6 months. The stocking density was 10,000/ha (500 pcs) at average size of 2–3 g and survival rate was 70 % (350 pcs). In February 1993, Mr. Veunso received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. Before the training he stocked 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) in his fish pond at an average size of 3–4 g and cultured for 5 months. The fish production obtained was 17 kg (340 kg/ha/150 days) with percentage survival of 70 % (336 pcs). In July 1993, the project supervised preparation of his 0.05 ha fish pond and supplied free 600 common carp fingerlings at an average size of 5.3 g and 6.8 cm. The fish are cultured for growing into broodstock sizes. In 1994, Mr. Veunso stocked 200 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha fish pond (4,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 10–15 g. After six months, he harvested 26 kg fish (520 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 90 % (180 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Veunso was on an average three times in two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was around K 1,010,000 in 1991 and K 1,071,000 in 1992 and K 1,132,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 1,132,000 included K 400,000 from sticky rice (4,000 kg) + K 17,000 from fish (17 kg from pond) + K 440,000 from livestock + K 70,000 from vegetables and fruits and K 205,000 from salary of government service. While the 1994 income of K 1,671,000 includes K 450,000 from sticky rice (4,500 kg) + K 39,000 from fish (26 kg from pond) + K 415,000 from livestock + K 143,000 from vegetables and fruits and K 624,000 from salary of government service. 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Veunso is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project staff. He has shown sustained interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will in the future help in refining the technology he's applying as well as in assessing his future needs in terms of funds and farm facilities.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Thi Phone (SN.34)

4. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish Culture + Pond fish culture.

5. General information : He is a medium farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices fish culture in ponds with a total area of 0.3 ha and rice-cum-fish culture in 0.05 ha rice field. In additional 1.0 ha area he grows vegetables and fruits. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Thi Phone started aquaculture in 1990. In 1991 he produced 20 kg in his 0.3 ha pond (67 kg/ha) and 3 kg in his 0.05 ha rice field ( 60 kg/ha). The species grown were mostly tilapia, common carp and local species. From July 1992, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond/rice field preparations, stocking densities of selected species and fixing of proper screens at water inlets and outlets of his pond and rice fields. He harvested 30 kg from his 0.3 ha fish pond (100 kg/ha) and 5 kg from his 0.05 ha rice field (100 kg/ha). Stocking density and days of fish culture in the two farming systems were not known as he did not keep record of his farm activities.

   In February 1993, Mr. Thi Phone received 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 300 common carp fingerlings at a stocking rate of 6,000/ha. The average stocking size was 5.3 g and 6.8 cm. The fish were harvested after 77 days. Survival of fingerlings was 49 % with an average size of 50 g and 14.8 cm. Total fish production was 7.45 kg (149 kg/ha/77 days). In 1993, he was given technical advice on his pond fish culture as well. He stocked his 0.3 ha fish pond with tilapia and common carp at a stocking density of 5,000/ha. Fish production obtained this year was 35 kg (117 kg/ha/180 days). Sizes of fish at stocking and percentage recovery at harvest were not known due to varying dates of stocking and unscheduled partial harvesting.

   In 1994, Mr. Thiphone stocked 3,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.3 ha fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–10 g. After six months, he harvested 250 kg fish (833 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 84 % (2,520 pcs). He also stocked 185 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.0546 ha ricefield (3,388/ha) at an average stocking size of 3.24 g. After more than two months, he produced 8 kg fish (146.5 kg/ha/68 days) with percentage recovery of 78 % (145 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. ThiPhone was on an average two times in a month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 973,000 in 1991 being 23,000 from 23 kg fish (20 kg from pond and 3 kg from rice field), K 1,035,000 in 1992 being K 35,000 from 35 kg fish (30 kg from pond + 5 kg from rice field) and K 1,057,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 1,057,000 included K 400,000 from sticky rice (4,000 kg) + K 42,000 from fish (35 kg from fish pond and 7 kg from rice-cum-fish) + K 375,000 from livestock and K 240,000 from vegetables and fruits. While the 1994 income of K 1,766,500 include K 500,000 from sticky rice (5,000 kg) + K 387,000 from fish (250 kg from pond and 8 kg from ricefield) + K 479,500 from livestock + K 250,000 from fruits, vegetables etc.. and + K 150,000 from rice mill and other sources. However it is evident that both the nutritional and financial conditions of the farmer's family improved through the adoption of improved fish culture technology.

8. Comments : Mr. Thi Phone is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project carefully. He has shown sustained interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experience with other farmers. It is expected that he could serve as a model farmer particularly in the rice-cum-fish culture system. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project shall in future years help in refining his fish culture technology aimed at increasing his present level of fish production.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne/Kosy

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Oudone (SN-35)

4. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish culture + Pond fish culture

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practises rice cultivation with fish culture in 0.1 ha area and also owns a fish pond 0.08 ha in size. In additional 1.8 ha area he grows rice, corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Oudone started aquaculture since 1988. In 1991 he produced 5 kg fish in his 0.04 ha fish pond (125 kg/ha) and 10 kg fish in his 0.1 ha rice field (100 kg/ha). The species of fish grown were mostly tilapia, carp and local species. From July 1992, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets, stocking density of selected species, pond and rice field preparations, and regulating properly the level of water in the rice field for the benefit of the rice crop and fish as well. He harvested 10 kg from his 0.04 ha fish pond (250 kg/ha) after six months and 15 kg fish from his 0.1 ha rice field (150 kg/ha) after 3 months. The stocking density in the 0.04 ha fish pond was 5,000/ha (200 pcs) at average size of 2–3 g and survival rate was 60 % (120 pcs). Stocking density in the 0.1 ha rice field was 4000/ha (400 pcs) with average stocking size of 4–5 g and survival rate was 50 % (200 pcs).

   In February 1993, Mr. Oudone 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 330 common carp fingerlings at stocking rate of 3,300/ha. The average stocking size was 5.0 g and 6.8 cm. After 83 days, the fish production obtained was 18 kg (180 kg/ha) with an average size of 58.8 g and recovery of 91 % (300 pcs). In 1993, Mr. Oudone was given detailed technical advice on pond fish culture as well. He stocked his 0.04 ha fish pond with 200 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5,000/ha) with an average size of 2–3 g. After six months he harvested 12 kg (300 kg/ha/180 days). Survival rate was 60 % (120 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Oudone stocked 800 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.08 ha fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–7 g. After six months, he harvested 50 kg fish (625 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 85 % (680 pcs). In his 0.1 ha ricefield, he stocked 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–5 g. After more than three months, he produced 21 kg fish (210 kg/ha/110 days) with recovery of 93 % (279 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Oudone was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was only around K 485,000 in 1991, K 515,000 in 1992 and K 535,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 535,000 included K 350,000 from sticky rice (3,500 kg) + K 30,000 from fish (12 kg from fish pond and 18 kg from rice field) + K 90,000 from livestock and K 65,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While the 1994 income of K 996,000 include K 400,000 from 4,000 kg sticky rice + K 106,500 from fish (50 kg from fish pond and 21 kg from ricefield) + K 304,500 from livestock + K 135,000 from fruits and vegetables, and K 50,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and financial condition of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish culture activities.

8. Comments : Mr. Oudone is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project willingly. He has shown much interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will in the future help in refining his fish culture technology aimed at increasing his present level of fish production.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne Kosy

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Douangty (SN - 36)

4. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish Culture

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in a 0.28 ha area rice field. In additional 0.623 ha area rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 0.25 ha upland area he grows fruits, vegetables and corn. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Douangty started aquaculture in 1975. In 1991, he produced 15 kg fish in his 0.28 ha rice field (54/kg/ha). The fish production were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. From 1992 August, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included proper fixing of water inlets and outlets screens, rice field preparation, stocking densities of selected species and fish feeding. He stocked his 0.28 ha rice field with 2,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings ( 7,142.8/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After three months, he harvested 20 kg fish (71 kg/ha/90 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 50 % (1000 pcs). In February 1993 Mr. Douangty received 3-day training organized by the project, which included actual field work. In the same year, Mr. Douangty was given detailed technical advice on his rice-cum-fish culture activity. He restocked his 0.28 ha rice field with 1500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5,357/ha at an average stocking size of 1–5 g) which included the 900 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project. After 100 days, he harvested 20 kg fish (71 kg/ha) with recovery of 60 % (900 pc). In 1994, Mr. Douangty didn't engage in fish culture activity as he sold his 0.28 ha ricefield into another farmer but he is expected to engage back in fish culture activity as soon as he can have a good site suitable for fish farming.

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Douangty was on an average once in every month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 1,065,000 in 1991, K 1,095,000 in 1992 being K 20,000 from 20 kg fish from rice field and K 1,114,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 1,114,000 included K 350,000 from sticky rice (3,500 kg ) + K 20,000 from 20 kg fish in rice field + K 639,000 from livestock and K 105,000 from fruits, corn, and vegetables. While his 1994 income of K 857,500 include K 400,000 from 4,000 kg sticky rice + K 257,500 from livestock + K 100,000 from fruits and vegetables and K 100,000 from rice mill and other sources. He did not engage in aquaculture activity this year. However, it is evident that both the nutritional and economic condition of the farmer's family improved by the adoption of improved fish culture activities in the prior years.

8. Comments : Mr. Douangty is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed his interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experience 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.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne Kosy

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Thao Pheng (SN - 37)

4. Main farming system : Fish Culture in Ponds + Rice-cum-fish.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in a 0.13 ha area fish pond and culture of fish with rice in his 0.02 rice field. In additional 0.97 ha rice field he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 0.06 ha upland area he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Thao Pheng started aquaculture in 1990. In 1991, he produced 10 kg fish from his 0.13 ha fish pond (77/kg/ha). The species produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and local species. From September 1992, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included proper fixing of screens at water inlets and outlets, pond fertilization/ manuring, stocking densities of selected species, pond and rice field preparation, and regulating properly the depth of water in rice field for the benefit of rice and fish as well. He stocked his 0.13 ha fish pond with 1,000 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (7,692.3/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months, he harvested 12 kgs fish (92 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage reecovery of 50 % (500 pcs). In his 0.1 ha rice field he stocked 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After three months, he harvested 9 kg fish (90 kg/ha/90 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 70 % (350 pcs). In 1993 Mr. Thao Pheng replaced Mr. Somboun who became an inactive TF, and was given detailed technical advice on his pond fish and rice-cum-fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.13 ha fish pond with 650 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings ( 5,000/ha ) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g). After six months, he harvested 14 kg fish (108 kg/ ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 61.5 % (400 pcs). In his 0.1 ha rice field he re-stocked 330 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project (3,300/ha) at an average stocking size of 5.3 g. After 88 days he harvested 9 kg fish (90 kg/ha/88 days) with percentage recovery/survival rate of 88 % (290 pcs). In 1994, Thao Pheng got no fish production in his fishpond and ricefield due to overflooding which washed out all his fish stocks. However, this did not deter his deep interest in aquaculture and he is still planning to continue fish culture activities in the next cropping season.

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Pheng was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 835,000 in 1991, K 866,000 in 1992 being K 21,000 from 21 kg fish from pond and rice field and K 883,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 883,000 included K 370,000 from sticky rice (3,700 kg) + K 23,000 from fish (14 kg from fish pond and 9 kg from rice field) + K 465,000 from livestock. While his 1994 income of K 1,337,500 include K 400,000 from 4,000 kg sticky rice + K 732,500 from livestock + K 155,000 from fruits and vegetables and K 50,000 from other sources. He has no fish production this year due to flooding in his farms. However, it is evident that the adoption of improved fish culture activities in the prior years had helped in improving the farmer's family nutritional and economic conditions.

8. Comments : Mr. Thao Pheng is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed his interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. His interest, attitude and continued technical advice by the project staff will further refine the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving higher fish production in the future.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne Kosy

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamla (SN - 38)

4. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish Culture + Pond fish culture.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with six members in the family. He practises culture of fish with rice in his 0.15 ha area rice field and have just started culturing fish in pond in his newly constructed 0.005 ha area fish pond. In additional 1.09 ha area he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 0.3 ha upland area he grows fruits, vegetables and corn. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Khamla started aquaculture in 1993. In February 1993 He received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In the same year, the project got involved in starting his fish culture activities by giving technical advice on rice field preparation, stocking densities of selected species, proper screening of water inlets and outlets and regulating properly the depth of water for the benefit of rice and fish as well. The project supplied him free 660 pcs common carp fingerlings at an average size of 5–3 g and 6.8 cm to stock in in his 0.08 ha area rice field (8,250/ha). After 87 days of culture with rice, he harvested 7.64 kg fish (95.5 kg/ha) with percentage recovery survival of 64 % (420 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamla stocked 100 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.005 ha fish pond (20,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 5–10 g. After six months, he harvested 3.5 kg fish (700 kg/ha/180 days) with recovery of 80 % (80 nos). He also stocked 600 common carp fingerlings in his 0.15 ha rice field (4,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 3–7 g. After more than two months he produced 15 kg (100 kg/ha/70 days) with recovery of 70 % (420 nos).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamla was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 250,000 in 1991, K 260,000 in 1992 with no fish culture and K 275,100 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 275,100 included K 200,000 from sticky rice (2,000 kg) + K 7,600 from fish (7.6 kg from the rice field) + K 30,000 from livestock and K 37,500 from vegetables and fruits. While his 1994 income of K 739,250 include K 250,000 from sticky rice + K 27,750 from fish (35 kg from pond and 15 kg from ricefield) + K 300,000 from livestock + K 136,500 from fruits and vegetables, etc. and K 25,000 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Khamla is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in his initial aquaculture activities and conferred for experiences with other farmers. His attitude and continued technical advice by the project will further assist him in refining a proper technology best suited in his area aimed at achieving higher fish production.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne/Kosy

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamlai (SN. 39)

4. Main farming system : Fish Culture in pond.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 6 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in ponds in an area of 0.115 ha. In additional 1.9 ha area, he grows sticky rice, corn, vegetables and fruits. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. Project activities : The national and international staff of LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were collected. Mr. Khamlai started aquaculture in 1975. In 1991 he produced 50 kg in his 0.115 ha pond (435 kg/ha). The fish were produced by first culturing in his fishpond then transferred into his rice field during rice farming season and cultured together with rice for 90 days and re-stocked again back into his ponds for final rearing. The species grown were mostly tilapia, common carp and local species. From July 1992 the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities which included pond preparation, stocking densities of selected species and fixing of proper screens at water inlets and outlets of his ponds. He harvested 70 kg from his 0.115 ha fishpond (608 kg/ha) after six months of culture. Stocking density and percentage survival were not known as he did not keep record of his farm activities. In February 1993, Mr. Khamlai received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In June, he again availed of another 7-day training on fish seed production techniques organized by the project at KhangPho Fish Farm. In July, the project supervised preparation of his additional 0.05 ha fish pond and supplied free 330 common carp fingerlings at an average size of 5.3 g and 6.8 cm. The fish are cultured in his ponds and reared for fish broodstock purposes. In 1993, he was given detailed technical advice on his pond fish culture practices. He stocked his 0.115 fish pond with tilapia and common carp at a stocking density of 4,300/ha (500 pcs). Fish production obtained this year was 80 kg (695.5 kg/ha/ 180 days). Sizes of fish at stocking and percentage recovery at harvest were not known due to varying dates of stocking and unscheduled partial harvesting. He also released unknown number of fishes into his rice-field during rice farming season and cultured with rice for 90 days and restocked again back into the fishpond for further rearing before final harvesting. In 1994, Mr. Khamlai stocked 1,500 pcs of tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5–10 g) in his 0.115 ha fish pond (13,043/ha) and after six months he harvested 100 kg fish (869.6 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery of 80 % (1,200 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamlai was on an average two times in a month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 470,000 in 1991 being k 50,000 from 50 kg fish (pond + rice field combined), K 500,000 in 1992 being K 70,000 from 70 kg fish and K 535,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 535,000 included K 300,000 from sticky rice (3,000 kg) + K 80,000 from 80 kg fish from pond (partial harvest) + K 15,000 from livestock and K 140,000 from corn, vegetables and fruits. While his 1994 income of K 1,206,000 include K 350,000 from sticky rice (3,500 kg) + K 150,000 from fish (100 kg from pond) + K 495,000 from livestock + K 161,000 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Khamlai is a progressive farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project willingly but he needs to improve in record keeping. He has shown sustained interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers. It is expected that he could serve as a model farmer particularly in pond fish culture system. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project shall in future years help in refining his technology aimed at increasing his present level of fish production.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne Kosy

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Oudtha (SN. 40)

4. Main farming system : Pond fish Culture

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 11 members in the family. He practises fish culture in his pond 0.08 ha in size. In additional 2.0 ha he grows sticky rice, corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income comes from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Oudtha started aquaculture in 1992. From July 1992 the project got involved in organizing his initial fish culture activities like fixing proper screens at water inlets and outlets of his new pond, pond preparation and stocking density of selected species. He harvested 3 kg from his new 0.01 ha pond (300 kg/ha) after 8 months. In February 1993, he received 3-day training, organized by the project, which included actual field work. He also attended another training on fish seed production (7 days) organized by the project in June 1993. In July 1993, the project supervised preparation of his 0.1 ha rice field and supplied free 500 common carp fingerlings at a stocking rate of 5,000/ha. The average stocking size was 5.3 g and 6.8 cm. The fish were harvested after 87 days. Survival of fingerlings was 77 % with an average size of 18.9 g. Total fish pond production was 7 kg ( 70 kg/ha).

   In 1993, Mr. Oudtha was also given detailed technical advice on pond fish culture. He stocked his 0.01 ha fish pond with tilapia and common carp at average size of 2–3 g at 5,000/ha. The fish production obtained was 4.5 kg after six months (450 kg/ha/180 days). Percentage recovery was 50-60 %. In 1994, Mr. Oudtha stocked 1,200 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his expanded 0.08 ha fish pond (15,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months, he harvested 70 kg fish (875 kg/ha/180 days) with a recovery of 75 % (900 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Oudtha was on an average two times in a month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was around K 850,000 in 1991, K 883,000 in 1992 being K 3,000 from 3 kg fish and K 899,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 899,000 included K 450,000 from sticky rice (4,500 kg) + K 11,500 from fish (4.5 kg from pond and 7 kg from rice field) + K 280,000 from livestock and K 157,000 from vegetables, fruits and corn. While the 1994 income of K 1,295,500 included K 520,000 from sticky rice (5,200 kg) + K 105,000 from fish (70 kg from pond) + K 335,500 from livestock + K 160,000 from vegetables, fruits, corn etc. and K 175,000 from rice mill, cloth weaving 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Oudtha is a progressive farmer who willingly followed the project's technical advice. He has shown sustained interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experience with other farmers. It is expected that he would become a model farmer particularly in the pond fish farming system. His performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project shall in future years help in refining his technology package as well as in assessing his needs in terms of funds and facilities.

1. District : Mouang Khoune

2. Village : Ban Youne Kosy

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Phao (SN - 41)

4. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish Culture + Fish culture in pond

5. General information : He is a farmer with 7 members in the family. He practises culture of fish with rice in his 0.1 ha area rice field and culture of fish in his pond in 0.05 ha area fish pond. In additional 1.7 ha area rice field he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 0.05 ha upland area he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Phao started aquaculture in 1975. In 1991, he produced 5 kg fish from his 0.05 ha fish pond (100 kg/ha). The species of fish produced 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 proper fixing of screens at water inlets and outlets, stocking densities of selected species, pond fertilization and regulating properly the water depth of his rice field for the benefit of rice and fish as well. He stocked his 0.1 ha rice field with 400 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (4,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After three months, he harvested 5 kgs fish (50 kg/ha/90 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 75 % (300 pcs). In his 0.05 ha fish pond, he stocked 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months, he harvested 10 kg fish (200 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 60 % (300 pcs). In February 1993, Mr. Phao received 3-day training organized by the project which included actual field work. In this same year, he was also given detailed technical advice on his rice-cum-fish and pond fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.1 ha rice rice field with 330 common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project (3,300/ha) at an average stocking size of 5.3 g. After 88 days of culture with rice, he harvested 9 kg fish (90 kg/ha) with percentage recovery of 88 % (290 pcs) and 16 kg fish from fish pond. In 1994, Mr. Phao did not engage in fish farming activity due to old age but is still active in giving advices based on his past fish culture experiences to other fish farmers.

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Phao was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total income of the farmer was K 705,000 in 1991, K 760,000 in 1992 being K 15,000 from 15 kg fish from rice field and pond and K 794,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 794,000 included K 300,000 from sticky rice (3,000 kg) + K 25,000 from fish (16 kg from pond and 9 kg from rice field) + K 319,000 from livestock and K 150,000 from vegetables and fruits. While the 1994 income of K 828,000 include K 250,000 from sticky rice + K 388,000 from livestock + K 90,000 from fruits, vegetables, and corn etc. and K 100,000 from other sources. However, it is evident that the adoption of improved fish farming activities in the prior years had helped in one way or another in improving the farmer's family nutritional and economic conditions.

8. Comments : Mr. Phao is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture activities and shared his experiences with other farmers.

1. District : Mouang Kham

2. Village : Ban Hok

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Bouapha (SN-01)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in Pond.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 6 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in pond in his 0.06 ha area fish pond and culture of fish with rice in his 0.1 ha area rice field. In additional 0.64 ha area rice field he grows sticky rice without fish ( 0.6 ha lowland and 0.04 ha upland) and in another 1.3 ha area he grows, fruits and vegetables (0.8 ha) and corn (0.5 ha). The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Bouapha started aquaculture in 1992. From 1992 August, the project got involved in organizing his initial fish culture activities which included pond preparation, fertilization, stocking densities of selected species, and proper screening of water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.06 ha fish pond with 600 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g and cultured for six months. He produced 13 kg fish (216.7 kg/ ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival rate of 50 % (300 pcs). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carp and some local species. In January 1993, Mr. Bouapha 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. He re-stocked his 0.06 ha fish pond with 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (8,333.33/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months he harvested 15 kg fish (250 kg/ha/180 days) with a percentage recovery/survival rate of 60 % (300 pcs). The project also assisted Mr. Bouapha in starting rice-cum-fish culture by supplying 500 pcs common carp fingerlings and stocked in his 0.1 ha ricefield (5,000/ha at an average stocking size of 4.1 g). After 3 months, he harvested 12 kg fish (120 kg/ha/ 90 days) with percentage recovery of 60 % (300 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Bouapha concentrated only on culturing fish in his 0.03 ha fishpond. He stocked 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (11,666.7/ha) at an average size of 5–10 g. After six months, he harvested 25 kg fish (833.3 kg/ha/180 days) with an average size of 83.3 g. Percentage recovery was 87.7 % (300 pcs). He did not engage in rice-cum-fish culture in 1994. The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Bouapha was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 520,000 in 1991, K 543,000 in 1992 and K 577,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 577,000 included K 210,000 from sticky rice (2,100 kg) + K 27,000 from fish (15 kg) from rice field) + K 100,000 from livestock and K 240,000 from fruits, vegetables and corn. While the 1994 income of K 619,000 include K 210,000 from sticky rice (2,100 kg) + K 37,500 from fish (25 kg from fishpond) + K 121,500 from livestock and K 250,000 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 activities.

8. Comments : Mr. Bouapha is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had showed 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 applying to achieve higher fish production in the future.

1. District : Mouang Kham

2. Village : Ban Hok

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Vanheuang (SN-02)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in Pond and Rice-cum-Fish culture.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in pond in his 0.03 ha area fish pond and culture of fish with rice in his 0.8 ha area rice field which he grows sticky rice and in another 1.0 ha upland area he grows corns (0.5 ha), fruits and vegetables (0.5 ha). The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Vanheuang started aquaculture in 1983. From 1992 August, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities by giving technical advice on pond preparation, fertilization, stocking densities of selected species, screening of water inlets and outlets and fish feeding. He stocked his 0.03 ha fish pond with 300 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months. He harvested 5 kg fish (166.7 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival rate of 50 % (150 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Vanheuang 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 and initial rice-cum-Fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.03 ha fish pond with 200 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (6,666.7/ha) at an average stocking size of 1–5 g. After six months he harvested 6 kg fish (200 kg/ha/180 days) with a percentage recovery of 75 % (150 pcs). In his 0.18 ha rice field he stocked with 500 pcs common carp fingerlings provided free by the project (2,777.8/ha) at an average stocking size of 4.1 g. After 95 days, he harvested 13.33 kg fish (74 kg/ha/ 95 days) with percentage recovery survival of 80 % (400 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Van Heuang stocked 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.08 ha pond (10,000/ha) at an average size of 7–10 g. After six months, he harvested 20 kg fish (666.7 kg/ha/180 days) at an average size of 78.4 g. Percentage recovery was 85 % (255 pcs). In his 0.8 ha ricefield he stocked 3,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,750/ha) at an average size of 4–5 g. After three months, he harvested 125 kg fish (156.75 kg/ha/92 days) with an average size of 50 g. Percentage recovery was 83 % (2,500 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. VanHeuang was on an average three times in every months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 574,000 in 1991, K 585,000 in 1992 and K 619,330 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 619,330 included K 230,000 from sticky rice (2,300 kg) + K 19,330 from fish (6 kg from fish pond and 13.33 kg from rice field) + K 280,000 from livestock and K 90,000 from corn (800 kg), fruits and vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 1,023,000 includes K 220,000 from sticky rice (2,200 kg) + K 217,500 from fish (20 kg from pond and 125 kg from ricefield) + K 200,000 from livestock and K 385,500 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 activities.

8. Comments : Mr. Van Heuang 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 performance, attitude and continued technical advice by the project will further improve the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

1. District: Muangkham

2. Village : Ban Hok

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Pho Bounma (CF SN - 03)

4. Main farming system : Rice-cum-fish Culture + Fish Culture in Pond.

5. General informations : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practices culture of fish with rice in his 0.05 ha area rice field and culture of fish in pond in his 0.1 ha area fish pond. In additional 1.25 ha rice field he grows corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were first collected.

   Mr. Pho Bounma started aquaculture in 1990. In 1991, he produced 40 kg fish from his 0.1 ha fish pond (400 kg/ha). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carps and some local species. From 1992 August, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities by giving technical advice on pond preparation, fertilization, stocking densities of selected species, screening of water inlets and outlets. He stocked his 0.1 ha fish pond with 1,500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (15,000/ha). After six months he harvested 45 kg fish (450 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/ survival of 60% (900 pcs). the size of fish at stocking was between 1–5 g. In January 1993, Mr. Pho Bounma 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 activities. He re-stocked his 0.1 ha rice field with 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at a average stocking size of 2-5 g. After six months he harvested 50 kg fish (500 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 60 % (600 pcs). In his 0.05 ha rice field, he initially stocked 500 common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) supplied free by the project at an average stocking size of 4.1 g. After 94 days he harvested 32.38 kg fish (647.6 kg/ ha/94 days) with percentage recovery of 84 % (421 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Pho Bounma stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.1 ha fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average size of 10-15 g. After six months he harvested 100 kg fish (1,000 kg/ha/180 days) with an average size of 117.6 g. Percentage recovery was 85 % (850 pcs). While in his 0.05 ha rice field, he stocked 150 common carp fingerlings (3,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After more than four months he harvested 24 kg fish (480 kg/ha/ 135 days) with an average size of 185 g. Percentage recovery was 87 % (130 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Pho Bounma was on an average two times in every month.

7. Economic evaluation: The total annual income of the farmer was K 590,000 in 1991, K 645,000 in 1992, and K 712,380 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 712,380 included K 350,000 from sticky rice (3,500 kg) + K 82,380 from fish (50 kg from pond and 32.38 kg from rice field) + K 115,000 from livestock and K 165,000 from corns (300 kg), fruits and vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 856,000 includes K 350,000 from 3,500 kg sticky rice + K 186,000 from fish (100 kg in pond and 24 kg in rice field) + K 150,000 from livestock and K 170,000 from fruits, vegetables 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 activity.

8. Comments : Mr. Pho Bounma is an enthusiastic farmer who followed all the technical advice given by the project. He had shown deep 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 to achieve much higher fish production in the future.

1. District : Muangkham

2. Village : Ban Hok (Ban Khum)

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Chanthong (CF SN - 04)

4. Main farming system : Fish Culture in Pond

5. General informations : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in pond in his 0.05 ha area fish pond. In additional 1.0 ha rice field he grows sticky rice and in another 1.2 ha upland area he grows corn (0.9 ha), fruits and vegetables (0.3 ha). The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in 1992 August when the above general informations were first collected.

   Mr. Chanthong started aquaculture in 1985. In 1991, he produced 10 kg fish from his 0.05 ha fish pond (200 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 activity by giving technical advice on pond preparation/fertilization, screening of water inlets and outlets, and stocking densities of selected species. He 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 he harvested 12 kg fish (240 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery/survival rate of 50 % (250 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Chanthong 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 0.05 ha fish pond with 500 pcs common carps fingerlings supplied free by the project (10,000/ha) at an average stocking size of 4.1 g. After six months he harvested kg 15 kg fish (300 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 70 % (350 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Chanthong stocked 400 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.05 ha fish pond (8,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After six months he harvested 20 kg fish (400 kg/ha/180 days) with an average size of 66.7 g. Percentage recovery was 75 % (300 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Chanthong was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 710,000 in 1991, K 732,000 in 1992 and K 745,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 745,000 included K 300,000 from sticky rice (3,000 kg) + K 15,000 from fish (15 kg from pond) + K 230,000 from livestock and K 200,000 from corns (1,000 kg) fruits and vegetables. While his 1994 income of K 807,000 includes K 300,000 from 3,000 kg sticky rice + K 30,000 from 20 kg fish in pond + K 230,000 from livestock and K 247,000 from fruits, vegetables 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 activity.

8. Comments : Mr. Chanthong 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 i n the future further refine the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.

1. District : Mouang Kham

2. Village : Ban Hok

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Kong (SN-05)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in Pond

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in pond in his 0.05 ha area fish pond. In additional 0.8 ha ricefield he grows sticky rice (0.05 ha in upland and 0.75 ha in lowland) and in another 0.05 ha area upland he grows fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Kong started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991, he produced 25 kg fish (250 kg/ha) in his previous 0.1 ha fishpond. The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carps and some local species. From 1992 August, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activity by giving technical advice on pond preparation, fertilization, fish feeding, screening of water inlets and outlets and stocking densities of selected species. 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 3–5 g. After six months. He harvested 30 kg fish (300 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 70 % (700 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Kong 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 500 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project (5,000 fish/ha) at an average stocking size of 4.1 g. After six months he harvested 35 kg fish (350 kg/ha/180 days) with a percentage survival of 80 % (150 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Kong concentrated culturing of fish in his 0.05 ha fish pond. He stocked 500 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000/ha) at an average size of 1-5 g. After six months, he harvested 20 kg fish (400 kg/ha/180 days) with an average size of 50 g. Percentage recovery was 80 % (400 pcs).

   The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Kong was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 485,000 in 1991, K 510,000 in 1992 and K 525,000 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 525,000 included K 310,000 from sticky rice (2,500 kg from lowland and 600 kg from upland) + K 35,000 from fish (35 kg from fish pond) + K 120,000 from livestock and K 60,000 from corn (200 kg), fruits and vegetable. While the 1994 income of K 540,000 includes K 235,000 from sticky rice (2,200 kg from lowland and 150 kg from upland) + K 30,000 from 20 kg fish in pond + K 45,000 from livestock and K 230,000 from fruits, vegetables 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 activity.

8. Comments : Mr. Kong is an enthusiastic farmer who followed the technical advice given by the project. He had shown deep interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His performance, attitude 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.

1. District : Mouang Kham

2. Village : Ban Hok

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Home-ea (SN-06)

4. Main farming system : Fish culture in Pond

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 8 members in the family. He practises culture of fish in pond in his 0.03 ha area fish pond. In additional 1.3 ha ricefield he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 1.2 ha upland area he grows corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Hom-ea started aquaculture in 1975. In 1991, he produced 4 kg fish (133.3 kg/ha) in his 0.03 ha fishpond. The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carps and some local species. From 1992 August, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities by giving technical advice on screening of water inlets and outlets, pond preparation, fertilization, fish feeding and stocking densities of selected species. He stocked his 0.03 ha fishpond with 300 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000 fish/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months. He harvested 5 kg fish (166.7 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 50 % (150 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Home-ea 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 fish culture activities. He re-stocked his 0.03 ha fish pond with 300 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000 fish/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months he harvested 6 kg fish (200 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 53.3 % (160 pcs). In his initial rice-cum-fish culture activity, he stocked 500 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project into his 0.23 ha area rice field (2,173.9 fish/ha) at a stocking size of 4.1 g. After 94 days, he harvested 17.7 kg fish (76.95 kg/ha/94 days) with percentage recovery/survival of 78 % (390 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Hom-ea stocked 300 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.03 ha fish pond (10,000/ha) at an average size of 10–15 g. After six months he harvested 15 kg fish (500 kg/ha/180 days) with an average size of 75.0 g. In this year, Mr. Hom-ea did not get fish production from rice field due to flooding. The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Home-ea was on an average three times in every two months.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 654,000 in 1991, K 665,000 in 1992 and K 693,700 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 693,700 included K 260,000 from sticky rice (2,600 kg) + K 23,700 from fish 6 kg from fish pond and 17.7 kg from rice field) + K 60,000 from livestock and K 350,000 from corn (1,000 kg), fruits and vegetables.

   While the 1994 income of K 1,530,000 includes K 430,000 from sticky rice (2,300 kg from lowland and 2,000 kg from upland) + K 22,500 from 15 kg fish in pond + K 197,500 from livestock and K 880,000 from fruits, vegetables, corn 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.

8. Comments : Mr. Hom-ea 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 aimed at increased fish production in the future.

1. District : Mouang Kham

2. Village : Ban Hok

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Khamseng (CF SN-07)

4. Main farming system : Fish Culture in Pond and Rice-cum-fish culture.

5. General information : He is a poor farmer with 7 members in the family. He practises culture of fish with rice in his 0.2 ha area ricefield and culture of fish in pond in his 0.06 ha area fish pond. In additional 0.6 ha ricefield he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 1.0 ha rice upland area he grows corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming practices plus raising of livestock.

6. 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. Khamseng started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991, he produced 10 kg fish in his 0.06 ha area fish pond (166.7 kg/ ha). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, common carps and other local species. From 1992 August, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activity by giving technical advice on pond preparation, fertilization, proper screening of water inlets and outlets, and stocking density of selected species. He stocked his 0.06 ha fish pond with 600 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000 fish/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months, he harvested 15 kg fish (250 kg/ ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 60 % (360 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Khamseng 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 fish culture activity including the start of rice-cum-fish culture. He re-stocked his 0.06 ha fish pond with 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (8,333.3 fish/ha) at an average stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months he harvested 20 kg fish (333.3 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 80 % (400 pcs). In his 0.1 ha rice field, he stocked 500 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project (5,000 fish/ha) at an average stocking size of 4.1 g. After 91 days, he harvested 13.52 kg fish (135.2 kg/ ha/91 days) with percentage recovery of 73 % (365 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Khamseng stocked 350 tilapia and common carp fingerlings in his 0.06 ha fish pond (5,833.3/ha) at an average size of 10–15 g. After six months he harvested 30 kg fish (500 kg/ha/180 days) with an average size of 100 g. Percentage recovery was 85.7 % (300 pcs). In his 0.2 ha rice field, he stocked 1,000 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (5,000/ha) at an average size of 5–10 g and after 87 days he harvested 30 kg fish (150 kg/ha/87 days) with an average size of 59.9 g. Percentage recovery was 50 % (500 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Khamseng was on an average two times in every month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 585,000 in 1991, K 595,000 in 1992 and K 623,520 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 623,520 included K 230,000 from sticky rice (2,300 kg) + K 33,520 from fish (20 kg from pond and 13.52 kg from rice field) + K 60,000 from livestock and K 300,000 from corns (1,000 kg) fruits and vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 1,193,000 includes K 350,000 from 3,500 kg sticky rice + K 90,000 from fish (30 kg in pond and 30 kg in rice field). + K 353,000 from livestock and K 400,000 from fruits, vegetables, corn 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 activity.

8. Comments : Mr. Khamseng 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 staff will further refine the technology he's been applying to improve his present level of fish production.

1. District : Muangkham

2. Village : Ban Hok

3. Name of farmer : Mr. Boun Phout (CF SN - 08)

4. Main farming system : Fish Culture in Pond

5. General informations : He is a poor farmer with 10 members in the family. He practices culture of fish in pond in his 0.05 ha area fish pond and culture of fish with rice in his 0.07 ha area ricefield. In additional 0.8 ha rice field he grows sticky rice without fish and in another 2.0 ha upland area he grows corn, fruits and vegetables. The total family income came from the above farming activity plus raising of livestock.

6. Project activities : The national and international staff of project LAO/89/003 first contacted him in July 1992 when the above general informations were first collected.

   Mr. Boun Phout started aquaculture in 1983. In 1991, he produced 10 kg fish from his 0.05 ha fish pond (200 kg/ha). The species of fish produced were mostly tilapia, carps and local species. From August 1992, the project got involved in organizing his fish culture activities by giving technical advice about pond preparation, fertilization, fish feeding, proper screening of water inlets and outlets, and stocking densities of selected species. He stocked his 0.05 ha fish pond with 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (10,000 fish/ha) at a stocking size of 2–5 g. After six months he harvested 15 kg fish (300 kg/ha/180 days) with a percentage recovery of 40 % (200 pcs). In January 1993, Mr. Boun Phout received of 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 fish culture activity including the start of rice-cum-fish culture. He re-stocked his 0.05 ha fish pond with 500 pcs tilapia and common carp fingerlings (30,000 fish/ha) at a stocking size of 3–5 g. After six months he harvested 20 kg fish (400 kg/ha/180 days) with percentage recovery of 60 % (300 pcs). In his 0.1 ha rice field he stocked 500 pcs common carp fingerlings supplied free by the project (5,000 fish/ha) at an average stocking size of 4.1 g. after 95 days he harvested 19.23 kg fish (192.3 kg/ ha/95 days) with percentage recovery of 50 % (250 pcs). In 1994, Mr. Boun Phout stocked 400 tilapia and common carp fingerling in his 0.05 ha fish pond (8,000/ha) at an average size of 3–5 g. After six months he harvested 20 kg fish (400 kg/ha/180 days) with an average size of 83.3 g. Percentage recovery was 60 % (240 pcs). In his 0.07 ha rice field, he stocked 250 tilapia and common carp fingerlings (3,571/ha) at an average size of 1.5 g and after three months he harvested 13 kg fish (187.5/ha/90 days) with an average size of 59.2 g. Percentage recovery was 88 % (220 pcs). The frequency of monitoring by the project staff to Mr. Boun Phout was on an average two times in every month.

7. Economic evaluation : The total annual income of the farmer was K 720,000 in 1991, K 735,000 in 1992 and K 769,230 in 1993. The 1993 income of K 769,230 included K 300,000 from sticky rice (3,000 kg) + K 39,230 from fish (20 kg from pond and 19.23 kg from rice field) + K 230,000 from livestock and K 200,000 from corns (1,000 kg) fruits and vegetables. While the 1994 income of K 929,500 includes K 270,000 from 2,700 kg sticky rice + K 49,500 from fish (20 kg from pond and 13 kg in rice field). + K 225,000 from livestock and K 385,000 from fruits, vegetables, corn 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 activity.

8. Comments : Mr. Boun Phout is an enthusiastic farmer who willingly followed all the technical advice given by the project. He showed interest in aquaculture and shared his experiences with other farmers. His attitude, willingness and continued technical advice by the project will further refine the technology he's been applying aimed at achieving higher fish production.