As part of the ongoing study on welfare hotspot analysis, Simão and Prof. Surintorn from Suranaree University of Technology, recently visited three farms:
Tilapia cage farming at Lam-Chae Dam (Khon Buri – Nakhon Ratchasima);
Tilapia, Catfish and Whiteleg shrimp pond farming at Dorn Plau sub-district (Ban Lueam, Nakhon Ratchasima);
Catfish hatchery and nursery at Chum Saeng (Nakhon Sawan).
During the visits they interviewed individual farmers and a group of farmers.
Nile Tilapia cage farming at Lam-Chae Dam in Khon Buri – Nakhon Ratchasima. The farmer used to raise red tilapia before switching to black tilapia due to better growth performance of the later under current dam water quality conditions.
Interview and discussions with tilapia, catfish and/or whiteleg shrimp pond farmers at Dorn Plau sub-disctrict, Ban Lueam - Nakhon Ratchasima. Most of them are currently using extensive system to do monoculture of fish (Tilapia or catfish) and shrimp (Whiteleg shrimp) or polyculture (Tilapia and shrimp/catfish). Only one farmer has some intensive whiteleg shrimp ponds.
The farmer with some intensive whiteleg shrimp ponds at Dorn Plau sub-disctrict took us on a tour to the shrimp ponds.
Catfish hatchery and nursery owner showed us the farming system they are using during the interview process at Chum Saeng - Nakhon Sa.
Catfish nursery at Chum Saeng - Nakhon Sawan.
Grading area for catfish fingerlings before the animals are packed and sent to the farms (Chum Saeng - Nakhon Sawan).