In the early days of March, reporters of Lao Dong Newspaper recorded that the lake in Chieng Lao commune area is wearing the gentle beauty of the flood season.
The turquoise lake surface stretches out to the eye, reflecting clouds and stilt houses nestled on the hillside.
Early in the morning, when the mist is still thin, small boats have turned the water into fish cages or go to collect shrimp fins. The sound of engines exploding mixed with the sound of fish struggling, the calls for each other between boats create a familiar sound of the lake area.
On the wharf, women prepare canal fish and river shrimp to dry. Young children excitedly call each other to school. The pace of life along the lake is slow and peaceful.
The entire Chieng Lao commune currently maintains nearly 400 fish cages, concentrated in villages such as Na Nong, Ta Sai, Phieng Cai. When the water rises, the lake surface widens. Rows of fish cages float neatly, reflecting the mountains. Cage fish farming has become the main livelihood, many families have stable incomes and rise out of poverty.
Na Nong village alone has 221 households, the village is raising 65 fish cages, with an output of 500 - 1,000 kg/cage/year. In addition to raising fish, people also catch natural aquatic products, raise goats and cows on hillsides. To date, the village only has 3 poor households.
Mr. Luong Van Hai, Secretary of the Party Cell, Head of Na Nong village, said: "In the flood season, the weather is warmer, so fish develop well. People take care of them carefully, mainly with agricultural by-products such as elephant grass, banana leaves, and minced small fish, in order to maintain a clean lake water environment for sustainable farming development.
In the spacious space of the lake, Mr. Tran Anh Tuan's family, Na Nong village, maintains raising 26 fish cages, selling 25-30 tons each year, earning a profit of 700-750 million VND.
Mr. Tuan shared that fish farming requires perseverance and daily care. In addition, he also purchases and processes fish cakes, braised fish, dried shrimp, creating jobs for 15 local workers.
Not only bustling with the rhythm of making a living, these days, the lakeside is also bustling with the festive atmosphere, people excitedly come to the wharf to attend the spring festival. Boat racing, cultural exchange, and sports competition activities take place sôi nổi.
On the lake surface, long boats glide quickly amidst cheers. On the lakeside, the sound of khens and drums blends with Xoe dances and traditional dances, creating a cultural picture imbued with identity.
According to Ms. Lo Thi Ban Bun, Secretary of the Party Committee of Chieng Lao commune, the locality always links the development of the lake economy with preserving culture and attracting tourism.
We encourage farming fish in the lake area according to planning, ensuring a clean water environment. At the same time, maintain cultural and sports activities along the lake to strengthen community solidarity and promote the image of the homeland," Ms. Bun emphasized.
As evening falls, the lake surface is deep blue, the sun is golden on the boats docked close to the shore. Kitchen smoke rises from the stilt house roof, the smell of grilled fish and sticky rice spreads in the wind.
Chieng Lao in the flood season is peaceful and vibrant, where rivers and the pace of working life blend on the Da River bank.
