Sustainable livelihoods from raising black pigs

For generations, black pigs have been a familiar and essential livestock breed in the lives of the people of Can Ty commune. In addition, black pig farming has become a sustainable livelihood, providing stable income and helping many households escape poverty and improve their living standards.

Raising indigenous black pigs helps  Mr. Vang Cha Phu’s family, Dau Cau 1 hamlet, Can Ty commune, increase their income.

The indigenous black pig breed in Can Ty is known for its small size, jet-black coat, long snout, upright ears, and strong resistance to diseases. Unlike hybrid pigs, Can Ty black pigs grow slowly but they are highly adaptable to the harsh mountainous climate. They are feeed by natural foods such as banana trees, sweet potato leaves, and forest vegetables, maize, and cassava, creating pork with a distinctive aroma and firm texture.

Recognizing the growing market demand, many households in the locality have shifted toward commercial pig farming. Among them, Mr. Hang Dung Lenh, an ethnic H’mong people of Dau Cau 1 hamlet, maintains a herd of around 50 pigs, earning over VND150 million annually after expenses.

The family of Mr. Vang Cha Phu in Dau Cau 1 hamlet also developed the model of black pig farming. He raised 30 - 50 pigs per batch and earned around VND140 million per year. With its superior quality, black pork meets the high demand of customers.

In recent years, Can Ty Commune has identified black pig farming as a key economic sector, implementing 32 livelihood projects with a total investment of more than VND28 billion, benefiting nearly 800 households. The commune has also encouraged farmers to expand their herds toward commercial production, improve housing facilities, and apply veterinary measures to prevent disease effectively.

Currently, over 60% of households in Can Ty are engaged in black pig farming, with a total herd of more than 7,000 pigs, an increase of over 2,000 compared to 2020.

According to Mr. Vien Quang Chuong, Vice Chairman of the Can Ty Commune People’s Committee, the locality has gradually developed the black pig industry along the value chain and built its brand. The local authorities also created conditions for farmers to make Can Ty black pork an OCOP-branded specialty product with clear labeling and packaging, capable of competing in the market, thereby contributing to poverty reduction and improving local livelihoods.

Tran Ke