Sturgeon farming, a new economic model for ethnic minorities

In recent years, along with the effective implementation of national target programs, many livelihood support models have been deployed in ethnic minority and mountainous areas of Thai Nguyen province. In particular, the commercial sturgeon farming model in Than Sa commune is a typical example, bringing initial positive results, opening up a direction for stable and sustainable economic development for people in the highlands.

Representatives of the Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions of Thai Nguyen province visited the sturgeon farming model in Than Sa commune.

With the advantage of a cool climate all year round, clean water flowing from the primeval forest suitable for the growth of cold-water fish species, Than Sa commune was chosen as the place to deploy a commercial sturgeon farming model from December 2023. This model belongs to Sub-project 2, Project 3 of the National Target Program on Socio -Economic Development of Ethnic Minorities and Mountainous Areas. 6 ethnic minority households belonging to the poor and near-poor households were selected for the pilot program, supported with 5,000 fish fry along with food, veterinary medicine and essential equipment with a total cost of over 1.7 billion VND.

Unlike short-term support models, the project at Than Sa aims for flexibility and sustainability. In the first year, people are almost “hand-held”, supported with all materials and techniques, and at the same time participate in matching part of the costs of premises and food. Thereby, creating the foundation for forming a sustainable and self-sufficient production chain.

Mr. Le Van La's family in Than Sa commune lived in poverty for many years, relying on only a few acres of corn and rice fields, with an unstable income. Since joining the sturgeon farming model, his family's life has improved a lot. Mr. La shared: "Raising sturgeon for more than two years now, I see clear results. The fish grow quickly, the price is stable, and the income is much higher than growing rice and corn."

Similarly, Mr. Duong Van Vung's family also got involved with sturgeon after receiving support for breeds and techniques. He said: The climate here is cool, very suitable for raising cold-water fish. We strictly follow the care process, from diet to disease prevention. Thanks to that, the fish grow steadily, the selling price of fish ranges from 180-300 thousand VND/kg.

Up to now, households receiving support for sturgeon farming have harvested the first batches of fish, started to bring products to the market and have a stable source of income. The highlight of the project is not only the input support but also the way it is organized and implemented in a way that has the active participation of the people. People no longer wait or rely on others but know how to calculate costs, invest and develop themselves.

According to the representative of the provincial Department of Ethnic Minorities and Religions, from 2022 to now, Thai Nguyen province has implemented 3 projects to support the development of production according to value chains and 40 projects to diversify livelihoods in a number of localities in the province. All have been carefully surveyed, suitable for each region's conditions and local production practices.

In particular, the implementation process has the active participation of the people, helping them raise their awareness of being in charge of their livelihoods, gradually reducing their dependence on external support. The projects are implemented in accordance with local conditions, helping people increase their income and improve their lives.

The sturgeon farming model in Than Sa is not only a story about new livelihoods but also a testament to the effectiveness of ethnic policies in exploiting local potential, helping ethnic minorities to escape poverty sustainably. Bottom of Form

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/kinh-te/202508/nuoi-ca-tam-mo-hinh-kinh-te-moi-cua-dong-bao-dan-toc-thieu-so-70831a7/