This is not only a new livelihood model but also a direction for sustainable economic development, contributing to improving the lives of people here.
Than Sa commune has high mountain terrain, cool climate all year round, fresh water flowing from primeval forests - ideal conditions for cold-water fish to grow. Taking advantage of that potential, since December 2023, the Ethnic and Religious Affairs Department of Vo Nhai district (formerly) has coordinated with the commune government to deploy a commercial sturgeon farming model for 6 poor and near-poor ethnic minority households.
Participating households were supported with 5,000 fish fry, feed, veterinary medicine and necessary equipment with a total cost of more than 1.7 billion VND from the National Target Program 1719. Not only stopping at input support, people are also trained in techniques, given detailed instructions on how to care for, prevent diseases and manage costs, thereby forming a habit of systematic and sustainable production.
By 2025, many households in Than Sa have long lived on a few sao of corn and rice with unstable incomes, now they have a better life thanks to raising sturgeon. Fish develops rapidly, prices are stable, income is many times higher than growing rice and growing corn. Currently, fish farming has become the main source of income for many households here.
The climate in Than Sa is very suitable for raising cold-water fish. Many households have followed the correct care process, ensuring nutrition and environmental sanitation. Thanks to that, the fish herd has developed stably, with prices ranging from 180,000 to 300,000 VND/kg, bringing in a fairly solid source of income.
These initial successes not only help households earn more income but also open up the prospect of forming a sustainable production - consumption chain in the future.
According to local leaders here, braised catfish farming is a suitable direction, because this is a species with high economic value, a stable consumption market, and effectively exploiting the natural potential of the locality. The success in Than Sa is the basis for the district to continue reviewing and replicating the model to other communes with similar conditions, associated with building a production - consumption chain and attracting businesses to participate.
In reality, the sturgeon farming model in Than Sa has contributed to increasing income and sustainable poverty reduction for participating households. People not only have more stable livelihoods, but also gradually form a sense of professional production, better cost and output management.
This is also a testament to the effectiveness of ethnic policies when going in the right direction, in accordance with actual conditions and the needs of the people. With the support of the State, the support of the government and the proactive spirit of the people, a direction of sustainable economic development is gradually taking shape in Than Sa land.
More importantly, this model has created confidence and motivation for ethnic minorities to affirm their will to rise up, while practically contributing to the emulation movement "For the poor - No one is left behind" in the period of 2021 - 2025 that the whole country is joining hands to implement.
