(KPL) With support from the German Government through the Lao Access to Finance Fund (LAFF), Patoukham Financial Institution organized a study visit for its loan members and media representatives to Supchaleun Farm, an emerging model for sustainable catfish farming in Dongkhuay, Saythany district, Vientiane.

The visit aimed to highlight innovative agricultural practices and inspire members to adopt professional, market-oriented fish farming techniques as a pathway to sustainable family business management.

Established in 2022 by entrepreneur Anousack Keochaleun with a registered capital of 3 billion LAK, Supchaleun Farm spans 22 hectares and has steadily expanded over three years. The farm operates in catfish farming, fingerling production, fish processing, and coconut cultivation and is currently seeking business partners to scale its business further.

Mr. Anousack shared that the farm’s mission is to promote professional catfish farming and transform catfish into a commercially viable product. Beyond supplying fresh catfish, the farm produces value-added goods, including sun-dried, frozen, and fermented catfish, fish balls, fish sauce, and catfish-based rice products. These products are distributed domestically and exported  to overseas markets. Market research indicates a daily demand of 20–25 tons of catfish in Vientiane, including processed products.

The farm employs a modern aquaculture system featuring Aluzinc-sheet fish tanks, each connected to an easy-to-use water circulation and treatment system which Mr. Anousack claims can maintain water cleanliness, eliminate odor, and enhance production quality and output.

Beyond its own operations, Supchaleun Farm provides technical support, fingerlings, feed, equipment, and training to local farmers, helping build capacity for sustainable aquaculture in the village and nearby communities.

Mr. Myxay Vongphachan, Deputy Director of Patoukham Financial Institution, emphasized that the visit was part of efforts to enhance borrowers' knowledge and promote new ideas for household economic development.

“By seeing real-world examples like Supchaleun Farm, our members gain inspiration and practical knowledge to lift themselves out of poverty and eventually transition into formal banking services,” he said.

Established in 2012 under the supervision of the Bank of the Lao PDR, Patoukham Financial Institution provides loans and deposit services to low- and middle-income individuals. With a focus on agricultural and small business lending, the institution has disbursed over 2,000 loans to date.

Ms. Soysouvanh Siboriboun, Manager of LAFF, explained that the fund—established in 2014 with German Government support—offers wholesale loans to microfinance institutions and commercial banks. “So far, seven institutions—three commercial banks and four microfinance organizations—have benefited from LAFF,” she said, adding that the fund also provides technical assistance to both institutions and their clients. “Through this visit, we observed that borrowers are effectively utilizing project resources as intended.”

Ms. Viengkham Saensathid shared her enthusiasm: “I’m grateful for this opportunity. As a long-time Patoukham client, I’ve used loans for small-scale chicken and fish farming. After today, I feel motivated to expand my operations professionally.”

The study visit underscores the growing synergy between financial services, government-backed development funds, and grassroots entrepreneurship—contributing to inclusive economic growth in Laos.

KPL