According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Son La province, for many years, localities in the lake area of Quynh Nhai, Chieng Lao, Muong La, Muong Khieng have promoted the development of cage fish farming associated with the application of science and technology, building brands and expanding consumption markets.
From small-scale production, aquaculture is gradually shifting to chain linkage, contributing to improving economic value and creating more jobs for local workers.
As the locality with the largest scale of aquaculture in the province, Quynh Nhai commune currently maintains nearly 2,800 fish cages with an output of over 1,100 tons per year. There are 25 cooperatives operating in the field of aquaculture and seafood processing, along with hundreds of households attached to the cage fish farming profession, creating a stable income for many workers in the lake area.
In which, Ho Quynh Aquaculture Cooperative is one of the typical models with about 200 cages raising specialty fish such as Hemibagrus, carp, tilapia, with an output of more than 300 tons per year.
Mr. Lo Van Son - Deputy Director of Ho Quynh Seafood Cooperative - said: "The Cooperative currently has 17 members, main products are consumed in Hanoi and some neighboring provinces. In addition to Hemibagrus as the main product, we are developing more specialty fish breeds to meet market demand. The model not only brings income to members but also creates regular jobs for local workers in the stages of care, harvesting and transportation.
Mr. Tong Xuan Truong - Vice Chairman of Quynh Nhai Commune People's Committee - said that aquaculture is identified by the locality as a key economic sector. The commune always supports people, cooperatives and businesses to access capital sources, transfer scientific and technical knowledge, and connect product consumption. At the same time, it encourages the development of production linkage models to improve the value of aquaculture, create more jobs and increase income for people.
Currently, the locality maintains more than 320 fish cages, producing nearly 1,000 tons of seafood per year, becoming a source of livelihood for many households along the lake. Chieng Lao Seafood Cooperative was established at the end of 2024, contributing to changing the production methods of the people.
Mr. Tran Anh Tuan - Director of Chieng Lao Seafood Cooperative - informed that the cooperative currently operates 30 cages, with an average output of 40-50 tons of fish per year. In addition to consuming fresh fish, the cooperative also purchases products from households to process into fish cakes, braised fish, and dried shrimp, contributing to improving the value of seafood.
The cooperative creates regular jobs for about 15 local workers with an average income of about 7 million VND/person/month.
In Muong La commune, Vietnam Sturgeon - Son La One Member Limited Liability Company invests in a high-tech sturgeon farming model with over 500,000 fish, applying VietGAP procedures and is creating regular jobs for 10 local workers.
According to Mr. Mai Tuan Anh, an engineer of the company, with an income of over 14 million VND/month along with full insurance, holiday and Tet bonuses and regular training, he and many local workers are assured to stick with the business for a long time.
From the advantage of the lake surface, cage fish farming is creating jobs and increasing income for people.
