Farmer excels in both animal husbandry and cultivation

Reducing costs through high-tech livestock farming

In the agricultural heartland of Phu Giao Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, the farm of Dinh Ngoc Khuong (born in 1967) has become well known among local farmers as a successful model of high-tech livestock production integrated with biosecure farming practices. Beyond delivering strong economic returns, the farm has also become a popular destination for farmers seeking to learn and replicate its effective production methods.

Spanning nearly 30,000m², the farm maintains more than 400,000 broiler chickens and approximately 40,000 breeder chickens. Each day, the breeder flock produces 15,000-17,000 hatching eggs for commercial production.

At the hatchery, every stage of the process follows a closed-loop production system. After collection, the eggs are carefully inspected, and only those meeting strict standards for size and shape are selected. They are then disinfected, stored in a cold room for about three days, and transferred to automated incubators. The incubation period lasts 21 days. Once hatched, the chicks are graded before either being supplied to the market or delivered to contract growers participating in the farm's integrated production chain.

The most significant innovation has been the complete transition from traditional open-sided poultry houses to environmentally controlled closed housing. The modern facilities are fully equipped with cooling systems, automated feeding and drinking equipment, and technologies that continuously regulate temperature and humidity.

According to Dinh Ngoc Khuong, these technologies allow for better control of the rearing environment, significantly reducing disease risks, minimizing antibiotic use, and lowering labor costs. Tasks that once required considerable manual labor, such as feeding, watering, and adjusting environmental conditions, are now fully automated.

The productivity gains have been substantial. Under conventional farming methods, broiler chickens typically require around 60 days to reach market weight. In the climate-controlled houses, however, the growing period has been reduced to approximately 52 days. The shorter production cycle allows for more flocks to be raised each year, improving overall efficiency and maximizing the use of farm facilities.

Feed conversion efficiency has also improved considerably. According to Khuong, producing 1kg of live chicken under the traditional open-house system requires about 2.5kg of feed, while the climate-controlled housing uses only around 2.4kg. Although the difference appears small, it translates into substantial savings when applied to a flock of hundreds of thousands of birds.

To secure stable market access, the farm has established production partnerships with two local companies. These linkages enable better production planning, reduce reliance on middlemen, and minimize market risks. The farm now generates annual revenue of approximately VND 100 billion.

"Modern agriculture can no longer rely solely on experience. It requires effective cost management, disease control, and production organized along integrated value chains," Khuong said.

Nurturing the soil for sustainable durian cultivation

Building on the success of his livestock operation, Khuong has invested in more than 7 hectares of Ri6 durian under a sustainable farming approach.

Unlike conventional practices, he does not clear weeds beneath the trees. Instead, the ground cover is left intact to protect the soil, reduce water evaporation, prevent erosion, and gradually decompose into organic matter that naturally enriches soil fertility.

"If you want healthy trees, you must first keep the soil healthy," Khuong said.

To nourish the orchard, Khuong produces his own organic fertilizer using low-value fish, molasses, and microbial inoculants. After fermentation, the mixture becomes a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer that supplies the trees with essential nitrogen and other nutrients.

Producing organic fertilizer requires considerably more time and effort than using chemical fertilizers. However, it helps improve soil structure, prevents soil compaction, and maintains a healthy ecosystem in the orchard.

The entire durian plantation is also equipped with an automated irrigation and fertigation system. A network of pipes delivers water and nutrients directly to the base of each tree, ensuring even distribution, reducing labor requirements, and improving water-use efficiency amid increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

By integrating these technical solutions, the orchard achieves yields of approximately 20-25 tonnes per hectare. Even so, Khuong believes that productivity is not the ultimate goal.

"The most important thing is to maintain tree health, fruit quality, and the longevity of the orchard so it can remain productive for many years," Khuong said.

Sharing knowledge and inspiring change

Beyond his own success, Dinh Ngoc Khuong is widely recognized by local authorities as a model farmer for his willingness to share knowledge and practical experience with fellow farmers.

Drawing on his practical experience, Khuong regularly welcomes farmers who visit to learn about his high-tech poultry production model, fish-based organic fertilizer production, natural ground cover management in orchards, automated irrigation systems, and cost-efficient farming practices.

According to local agricultural officials, the greatest value of Khuong's model lies not only in its economic returns but also in its potential for replication. The techniques he applies are rooted in practical farming experience, are suitable for a wide range of farm households, and help promote a shift toward safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.

Khuong's dedication and innovation have been recognized through numerous awards. From 2016 to 2019, he was honored as an Outstanding Farmer at the provincial level. In 2021, he was named one of Viet Nam's Outstanding Farmers and received certificates of merit from the former Binh Duong Provincial Farmers' Union, the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Farmers' Union, and the Chairman of the former Binh Duong Provincial People's Committee.

In 2022, he was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Prime Minister. Between 2021 and 2024, he received multiple commendations from the Chairman of the Phu Giao District People's Committee. In 2024, he was further recognized by the Binh Duong Provincial Farmers' Union and the provincial agricultural sector. In 2025, he was awarded the Third-Class Labour Order.

Most recently, local authorities nominated him as an exemplary agricultural extension farmer at the commune level. For Khuong, the recognition is not only an acknowledgment of his own efforts but also an incentive to continue supporting fellow farmers.

$ 1 = VND 26,470 - Source: Vietcombank.