Expanding the scale of sturgeon farming.

Taking advantage of the potential of the Son La hydroelectric reservoir's surface water, many localities have developed aquaculture, especially sturgeon farming, which is highly valuable for its meat and eggs, serving both domestic consumption and export markets.

The provincial delegation visited the sturgeon farming model of Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La .

Established at the end of 2012, Vietnam Sturgeon Co., Ltd. - Son La specializes in raising sturgeon in the Son La hydroelectric reservoir. More than a decade ago, no one thought that the Son La hydroelectric reservoir could be suitable for raising sturgeon, as this species is only suitable for cold waters like those in Russia and Belarus. Vietnam Sturgeon Group has turned the impossible into reality.

Leading us on a tour of the sturgeon farming model, Mr. Nguyen Van Lan, Manager of Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La, said: Son La has a vast reservoir area of ​​the Son La hydroelectric power plant, with abundant natural food sources and water temperatures suitable for sturgeon growth and development. In 2012, the company conducted a trial with 20 cages, raising over 20,000 Beluga and Russian sturgeon. The majority were Beluga sturgeon – a purebred sturgeon imported from abroad by the Vietnam Sturgeon Group. If the eggs are harvested, this type of sturgeon sells for $7,000-$8,000 USD/kg and the meat for $15-$20 USD/kg. To ensure the fish adapt to the environment, we care for and nurture them according to proper technical procedures; controlling feeding times, temperature, pH levels, and checking the weight of the fish to move them to the appropriate cages. At the same time, strictly implement measures to protect the aquatic environment and do not use chemicals on the banned list in the farming process.

After two years of trial farming, the first batch of marketable fish reached an average weight of 1.5 kg or more per fish. Expanding the scale of farming, in November 2015, the company moved all the sturgeon cages to the La Muong village area in Muong Trai commune. This area is not in the main flow of the Da River, making it convenient for transporting fish feed or for selling the fish.

With years of experience in sturgeon farming from the Vietnam Sturgeon Group and learning from foreign experts, the company has gradually improved its techniques and perfected its farming process according to VietGAP standards. From an initial 1,000 sturgeon in 20 cages, Son La Sturgeon Joint Stock Company has now expanded to nearly 265 cages of various types, 70 nursery tanks, and a total usable water surface area of ​​over 40,000 m². Currently, the total number of sturgeon is approximately 200,000, including 3,000 for roe production and the rest for commercial purposes, with a production volume of up to 300 tons.

Workers at Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La are caring for sturgeon.

Mr. Nguyen Van Lan, Manager of Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La, added: From the beginning of the year until now, the company has supplied approximately 10 tons of commercial sturgeon to the market in the province and neighboring provinces such as Dien Bien , Lao Cai, Sa Pa, Hoa Binh... with selling prices of 250,000 VND/kg for fish weighing 1-3 kg; 350,000 VND/kg for fish weighing 5-7 kg; and 900,000 VND - 1,000,000 VND/kg for fish over 30 kg. The company has signed indefinite contracts with 15 workers and about 6-10 seasonal workers, with salaries ranging from 7 to 40 million VND per person per month.

As one of the distributors of sturgeon from Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La in the province, Mr. Bui Anh Hung, owner of Sam Sip Restaurant, sub-district 5, It Ong town, Muong La district, shared: "Sturgeon raised in the Son La hydroelectric reservoir is highly appreciated by customers for its quality, and we receive many orders. My family's restaurant alone consumes several tons of fish per month. In addition, we also sell retail to stores inside and outside the district."

According to company representatives, there is currently a huge demand for sturgeon in Ninh Binh, Thai Binh, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc provinces and Hanoi city. To meet market demand, the company continues to expand its production scale. The plan for 2026 is to raise approximately 300,000 to 500,000 juvenile sturgeon in cages, increasing production to 500 tons of commercial fish by the end of the year. The company's development goal does not stop at commercial fish farming; it will also focus on raising sturgeon for roe to enhance the economic value of sturgeon.

The surface water of the Son La hydroelectric reservoir, in 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 Livestock, Veterinary and Fisheries, said: "Raising sturgeon in hydropower reservoirs is an effective approach that brings high economic value. The Department hopes that the company will promote development through a production chain linking with cooperatives and households that meet the conditions for sturgeon farming. In that case, the company will act as a supplier of fingerlings, provide technical advice and guidance, and guarantee the purchase of the products, helping the people."

With the vast potential and advantages of the Son La hydroelectric reservoir, Vietnam Sturgeon Company Limited - Son La will continue to invest and expand its scale to meet market demand and contribute to local economic development.

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