Mr. Ha Van Hai is not a newcomer to family economic development. Previously, he had tried many livestock models such as pigs, buffaloes, cows, and honey bees. However, these models only brought certain results due to market fluctuations and unstable income. Not giving up, Mr. Hai continued to research and learn through books and newspapers and went to many places. In particular, the trip to study the deer farming model in Huong Son district (Ha Tinh) opened up a new direction for him and his family. Mr. Ha Van Hai shared: When I came to Huong Son, I saw that they raised deer systematically, effectively, with stable output, high economic value, and suitable for the land and climate conditions in my hometown. When I discussed with my family, everyone agreed. So I started working.
After receiving support from his family and some acquaintances, in early 2025, Mr. Hai boldly invested in buying 10 deer for 18 million VND/head and 6 deer for 30 million VND/head from reputable farms in Ha Tinh . Along with buying the breeding animals, he invested in building solid barns, suitable for the habits of wild but domesticated animals. Up to now, after more than 6 months of raising, Mr. Hai's family's deer herd has developed well. Of which, 6 male deer have started to produce antlers. Because it is the first year of producing antlers, each pair of new antlers only weighs from 200 grams to 300 grams. The current market price is 1.7 million VND/100 grams of deer antlers and 1.2 million VND/100 grams of deer antlers. Thus, although it is still in its early stages, this model has brought in a significant source of income for his family. According to Mr. Hai's calculation: Initially, it is profitable. In the second year, when the deer herd is fully mature, each deer can produce 800 grams to 1.2 kg of velvet antlers per year. Deer can produce about 2 kg of antlers. With current prices, each deer or elk can bring in an income of 17 million to 20 million VND per year, much higher than raising cows and pigs.
According to calculations, after 2 years of raising deer, the herd will be fully mature; each year it can bring in revenue from 17 million to 20 million VND from selling velvet.
Sharing more about the techniques and care of the deer herd, big and small, in the barn, Mrs. Dinh Thi Suu, Mr. Hai's wife, contributed: Raising deer is not too difficult. These are animals with good adaptability and few diseases if the barn is kept clean. The main food is grass, which can be grown in the garden. In addition, corn and cassava need to be added to increase nutrition. However, caring for this breed cannot be done carelessly. Careful care is required to produce quality antlers that can be sold at a high price.
Not alone in the new direction, in the past time, Mr. Ha Van Hai's family has always received technical support and experience from Mr. Dinh Van Tue, also in zone 8 - Dong Chung. Mr. Tue's family is a pioneer in the deer farming model in Tu Vu commune. Up to now, his family has been raising deer for nearly 10 years. From a few initial deer, up to now, the total deer herd of Mr. Tue's family has developed into a herd of over 50 deer, becoming a large model, creating jobs and a stable source of income from selling velvet. The companionship and sharing between the two farmers has contributed to strengthening the belief in the feasibility of this model. "If there is anything I do not understand, I go to Mr. Tue. He is willing to share everything from breeding, deworming to harvesting velvet. Thanks to that, my deer herd has developed well, since I started raising them until now, none of them have been sick," Mr. Hai said excitedly.
What is even more valuable is that Mr. Ha Van Hai's story is not only about his efforts to develop his family's economy. It is also a vivid testament to the spirit of overcoming difficulties of a soldier. During the resistance war against the US, he was a special forces soldier of Division 320, participating in the battle at battlefield B. After that, he continued to take up arms to fight to protect the northern border in Lao Cai in 1979. During the war, he was wounded, then returned to his hometown, participated in social work, and after retirement, he changed his direction to economic development. From a veteran who did not accept poverty, to a farmer who dared to think and act, Mr. Ha Van Hai is an inspiring role model in the locality. His deer farming model, although just beginning, is expected to open a new direction of sustainable economic development for people in Tu Vu. Especially households with large gardens and lacking grazing conditions. “The difficulty here is whether we dare to change or not. When everything is clear, we do the right thing, and do it persistently, we can absolutely rise up and get rich from our homeland and our own efforts,” Mr. Hai confided.
In the context of agricultural production facing the problem of renewing production models, raising deer can be considered a feasible option, suitable for local conditions. If done well, this model can open up a new direction of economic development, stable and sustainable not only in Tu Vu but can be expanded to many localities in the province.
Manh Hung
Source: https://baophutho.vn/nuoi-huou-nai-ky-vong-mot-huong-di-moi-o-tu-vu-236732.htm
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