Chain linkages enhance the value of fish farming in Thac Ba Lake.

In Lao Cai, fish products from Thac Ba Lake are gradually transforming from a closed-loop model, creating a sustainable value chain and increasing income for local people.

Dare to think differently, act differently.

Born and raised by Thac Ba Lake in Lao Cai province, one of the largest artificial lakes in Vietnam, stretching approximately 80 km and surrounded by many lakeside communes, Ms. Vu Thi Thu Phuong has been closely associated with the lake and aquaculture since she was young. But not content with simply catching fish, she has chosen a different path, focusing on processing products from lake fish to preserve the authentic flavors of her hometown and enhance the value of local specialties.

As the Production Manager at Tam Duc General Food Business (Yen Binh commune, Lao Cai province), Ms. Phuong has established a closed production chain, from fish farming and procurement to processing and marketing. Products such as fish cakes, fish sausages, and fish rolls are created, reflecting the unique characteristics of the lake region, while ensuring quality and meeting food safety and hygiene standards.

With a clear vision for sustainable development, the company, along with several households, invested in over 100 fish cages on Thac Ba Lake and established a close-knit network with households engaged in natural fishing. This model helps Tam Duc proactively secure raw materials, control inputs, and effectively ensure product quality.

Fish cakes, fish sausages, and fish rolls have become increasingly well-known products. Photo: Thanh Nga.

The abundant fish resources, including both wild fish such as catfish and snakehead fish, and farmed fish such as snakehead and sturgeon, not only contribute to product diversification but also help the unit maintain stability in production.

"We confidently assert that we do not use any substandard ingredients. Every stage of processing is strictly monitored to ensure maximum safety for consumers," shared Ms. Vu Thi Thu Phuong.

Besides quality, Tam Duc Enterprise also places environmental factors at the center of its development process. Switching to using biodegradable sugarcane pulp boxes instead of styrofoam packaging is a clear step demonstrating social responsibility.

Ms. Phuong stated that this eco-friendly packaging can completely decompose in the natural environment in just 4-6 months, is non-toxic when used in freezers or microwaves, contributing to protecting consumer health and minimizing environmental pollution.

"Every time consumers choose a Tam Duc product, they are also contributing to protecting the environment. That's what makes us feel proud and more responsible for each product we bring to the market," Ms. Phuong further shared.

Confident in production thanks to stable output.

One of the key factors contributing to the success of agricultural production chains is the active participation of local people. In Hamlet 13, Yen Binh Commune, Lao Cai Province, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha, a long-time fish farmer, is a clear example of positive transformation after participating in a product consumption linkage model with Tam Duc General Food Business.

Thanks to this collaboration, not only is the output of the product guaranteed, but the income and living standards of Ms. Ha's family have also improved significantly, creating motivation for many other households to boldly participate in the sustainable supply chain.

Some households raising fish on Thac Ba Lake have partnered with Tam Duc to ensure a stable market for their products. Photo: Thanh Nga.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha shared that participating in the business linkage model has given her family complete peace of mind during the production process. Knowing that the fish she raises will definitely have a market, she feels confident investing and following the correct procedures. Not using antibiotics and ensuring food safety and hygiene are mandatory requirements.

With over 100 fish cages raising various species, Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha applies a rotational stocking model to maintain a stable supply year-round. The entire fish care process is carried out systematically and scientifically by her family, from selecting feed to supplementing vitamins and boosting the fish's immunity with natural ingredients like garlic and turmeric. This method not only helps the fish grow healthily but also contributes to improving product quality, meeting market demands.

During the fish farming process, households always pay attention to the care procedures to ensure the fish grow healthily and maintain quality. Photo: Thanh Nga.

"I divide the fish into batches according to their growth stages to ensure a consistent supply of marketable fish for the processing unit. This prevents supply disruptions and ensures we're not caught off guard by market fluctuations," Ms. Ha shared.

On average, Ms. Ha supplies about 3 tons of fish to the market each month, mainly as input for Tam Duc's processed products. The close connection with the business allows her to produce with complete peace of mind, eliminating worries about prices or sales volume.

"Raising fish is no longer a gamble. I know for sure that the product will be sold, so I can wholeheartedly focus on expanding the scale," Ms. Ha affirmed.

Value chain development

Recognizing aquaculture as a key economic sector, Yen Binh commune in Lao Cai province is actively implementing a value chain development strategy, with businesses and cooperatives playing a core role. Among them, Tam Duc Household Business stands out, boldly connecting production, processing, and consumption of products, contributing to the formation of a sustainable and effective linkage model.

Commenting on this model, Mr. Nguyen Duy Khiem, Chairman of the People's Committee of Yen Binh commune, said that when all parties, from the people to businesses and the government, cooperate closely, it will create a sustainable supply chain. This effective cooperation not only increases people's income but also helps local products reach further and assert their position in the market.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duy Khiem, Yen Binh commune is proactively planning to expand its aquatic product raw material area, especially in the Thac Ba reservoir area, which is considered to have great potential for developing cage fish farming models. Currently, the entire commune has nearly 400 cages, with the goal of reaching over 1,000 cages in the next few years.

Yen Binh commune is aiming to develop aquaculture along the value chain. Photo: Thanh Nga.

Alongside developing aquaculture areas, the locality also aims to build feed production plants and deep processing plants to increase the added value of aquatic products and enhance competitiveness in the market. This is considered a key solution to promote sustainable development of the aquatic economy.

In particular, the "four-party" linkage model, comprising the State, businesses, scientists, and farmers, is being implemented in Yen Binh commune to create synergy and optimize efficiency in production and product consumption.

"With the great potential of Thac Ba Lake and the close cooperation between all parties, we believe that the fisheries industry of Yen Binh commune will develop, contributing to increasing people's income and affirming the brand of local products," Mr. Nguyen Duy Khiem emphasized.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/lien-ket-chuoi-nang-tam-ca-ho-thac-ba-d780189.html