Expanding sturgeon farming

The provincial delegation visited the sturgeon farming model of Vietnam - Son La Sturgeon One Member Co., Ltd.

Vietnam - Son La Sturgeon Company Limited was established at the end of 2012, specializing in raising sturgeon in the Son La hydroelectric reservoir. More than ten years ago, no one thought that the Son La hydroelectric reservoir could raise sturgeon, because this fish species is only suitable for cold water areas such as Russia, Belarus... Vietnam Sturgeon Group has turned the impossible into reality.

Taking us to visit the sturgeon farming model, Mr. Nguyen Van Lan, Manager of Vietnam Sturgeon Company - Son La, said: Son La has a large Son La hydroelectric reservoir, abundant natural food sources, and water temperature suitable for sturgeon growth and development. In 2012, the Company tested 20 fish cages, over 20,000 Beluga and Russian sturgeon. Of which, the main breed is Beluga - this is a purebred sturgeon imported by Vietnam Sturgeon Group from abroad. If eggs are harvested, this type of fish will be sold on the market for 7,000 - 8,000 USD/kg and meat for 15 - 20 USD/kg. To help the fish adapt to the living environment, we care for and raise them according to technical procedures; control feeding time, temperature, pH, check the weight of the fish to move them to suitable cages. At the same time, strictly implement measures to protect the water environment, do not use chemicals in the banned list in the farming process.

After 2 years of trial farming, the first batch of commercial fish for sale, average weight reached 1.5 kg/fish or more. Expanding the farming scale, in November 2015, the Company moved all sturgeon cages to La Muong village, Muong Trai commune. This area is not located in the main flow of the Da River, convenient for transporting fish feed or selling.

With many years of experience in raising sturgeon of Vietnam Sturgeon Group and learning from foreign experts, the Company has gradually improved its techniques and perfected the raising process according to VietGAP standards. From 1,000 sturgeon with 20 initial fish cages, Son La Sturgeon Joint Stock Company has now developed to nearly 265 cages of all kinds, 70 fish tanks, increasing the total area used to over 40,000 m² of water surface. Currently, the total number of sturgeon is about 200,000, of which 3,000 are fish for eggs, the rest are commercial fish, with an output of up to 300 tons.

Workers of Vietnam Sturgeon One Member Co., Ltd. - Son La take care of sturgeon.

Mr. Nguyen Van Lan, Manager of Vietnam - Son La Sturgeon One Member Co., Ltd., added: Since the beginning of the year, the Company has supplied the market with about 10 tons of commercial fish in the province and neighboring provinces such as Dien Bien , Lao Cai, Sa Pa, Hoa Binh... with the selling price of 250 thousand VND/kg for fish weighing 1 - 3 kg; 350 thousand VND/kg for fish weighing 5 - 7 kg; fish weighing over 30 kg cost 900 thousand VND - 1 million VND/kg. The Company has signed indefinite contracts with 15 workers, about 6 - 10 seasonal workers, with salaries ranging from 7 - 40 million VND/person/month.

As one of the sturgeon distributors of Vietnam - Son La Sturgeon One Member Co., Ltd. in the province, Mr. Bui Anh Hung, owner of Sam Cyprus Restaurant, Sub-area 5, It Ong Town, Muong La District, shared: Sturgeon raised on Son La hydroelectric reservoir is highly appreciated by customers for its quality, and there are many orders. My family's restaurant alone consumes about several tons of fish per month. In addition, it also retails at stores inside and outside the district.

According to the company representative, currently, the provinces of Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc and Hanoi city have a great demand for sturgeon. To meet the market demand, the company continues to expand its production scale. In 2026, the company plans to introduce cages to raise about 300,000 to 500,000 juveniles, and by the end of the year, increase output to 500 tons of commercial fish. The company's development goal does not stop at the scale of commercial fish farming, but will raise fish for eggs to increase the economic value of sturgeon.

The water surface of Son La hydroelectric reservoir, La Muong village, Muong Trai commune, Muong La district is suitable for raising sturgeon.

Mr. Duong Van Bieng, Deputy Head of the Provincial Department of Animal Husbandry, Veterinary and Fisheries, said: Raising sturgeon on hydroelectric reservoirs is an effective direction, bringing high economic value. The Department hopes that the Company will promote development according to the production chain with cooperatives and households that meet the conditions for raising sturgeon. At that time, the Company will be a place to supply breeds, provide advice, technical guidance and purchase products for the people.

With the great potential and advantages of Son La hydroelectric reservoir, Vietnam - Son La Sturgeon One Member Co., Ltd. will continue to invest and expand its scale to meet market demand, contributing to local economic development.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/kinh-te/mo-rong-quy-mo-nuoi-ca-tam-YvfVUeJHg.html