Located on the vast Son La hydroelectric reservoir, Muong Khieng commune is blessed with more than 1,030 hectares of calm water surface – an ideal condition for developing cage fish farming. Taking advantage of this, in recent years, local people have boldly transformed their production model, making aquaculture a key economic sector.

Escape poverty through fish farming

According to statistics, the whole commune currently has more than 700 fish cages, of which more than 400 cages are managed and operated by members of cooperatives. In the first six months of 2025, the output of locally farmed and exploited fish reached more than 550 tons - a figure that shows a great step forward in the scale and productivity of cage fish farming in this area.

Established in 2020, Muong Khieng Aquaculture - Fruit Tree Growing and General Services Cooperative has quickly affirmed its role as a "locomotive" in developing the local collective economy.

Cage fish farming is bringing high income in Muong Khieng (Photo: BSL).

With 46 members and over 400 fish cages, the cooperative not only helps people organize production systematically but also proactively approaches the market, builds brands and applies technical advances into practice.

Mr. Quang Van Hop - Director of the Cooperative - shared: "Previously, people raised fish in cages mainly spontaneously, with fragmented production, so the efficiency was not high. Since the establishment of the Cooperative, we have been instructed on farming techniques, supported in building VietGAP processes, making traceability stamps, business licenses, etc. Thanks to that, the output is favorable, the selling price is higher and more stable."

To ensure the consumption market, since 2021, the cooperative has cooperated with traders in Hanoi to purchase fish directly at the farming area. Each fish cage produces about 3 quintals/year, with a selling price of 110,000 - 150,000 VND/kg, bringing in an income of 100 million to more than 500 million VND/year for each member household.

The story of Mr. Quang Van Sam - a resident of Ban Xa village, an associate member of the cooperative - is a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of cage fish farming. His family currently owns 15 fish cages, yielding more than 3 tons/year. In addition to industrial feed, he also takes advantage of agricultural by-products such as cassava and corn, combined with natural fishing to reduce costs.

Links are the key to success

“Every year, after deducting expenses, my family makes a profit of more than 150 million VND. Thanks to caged fish, we no longer have to work far from home. Our children can study well, and our house is much more spacious than before,” Mr. Sam shared.

Not only helping hundreds of households escape poverty, cage fish farming also creates hundreds of local jobs, leading to the development of supporting industries such as processing, transportation, seafood logistics services, etc.

The successes of cooperatives in particular and the current cage fish farming model in Muong Khieng cannot fail to mention the important role of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the Son La Provincial Cooperative Alliance.

From 2022 to present, dozens of training courses and transfer of cage fish farming techniques have been organized by the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the Son La Cooperative Alliance for cooperative members. A series of trade promotion programs, fairs, support for brand building, packaging, traceability stamps, etc. have also been systematically implemented.

Joining cooperatives helps cage fish farming households increase their income, contributing to hunger eradication and poverty reduction in the locality (Photo: BSL).

In particular, after the 2023 Law on Cooperatives officially took effect, cooperatives like those in Muong Khieng have benefited from policies on access to preferential loans, aquatic insurance and support for disease response. This is a "lifebuoy" that helps people feel secure in investing and avoid risks when natural disasters and epidemics occur.

At the same time, programs such as "Agricultural products to the city" and "National Cooperative Fair" organized by the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance also help Muong Khieng cage fish products have the opportunity to be widely promoted, access e-commerce platforms and modern retail systems.

Future direction

Despite many positive results, cage fish farming in Muong Khieng still faces many challenges. The number of cages is increasing rapidly, while the consumption market is unstable, prices are fluctuating, and the link between production - processing - consumption is still loose.

Accordingly, the agricultural sector of Muong Khieng commune is actively encouraging cooperatives and people to improve the quality of fish breeds, comply with care procedures, and prevent diseases. At the same time, the commune coordinates with specialized agencies, cooperatives, and enterprises to build a consumption chain, gradually bringing Muong Khieng cage fish products to supermarkets and large restaurants.

One of the important solutions is to promote on-site fish processing, such as fish filleting and vacuum packaging, to help increase value and expand the market, especially in the context of consumers increasingly preferring clean products with clear origins.

Notably, according to the province's orientation, in the coming time, cooperatives in Muong Khieng will be supported in digital transformation, applying farming management software, online sales, and transparent production data. In addition, the model of combining eco-tourism with experiencing cage fish farming is also being researched and implemented, creating more livelihoods and attracting tourists to Muong Khieng.

“We dream of a day when Muong Khieng cage fish products will not only be sold domestically but also be present in international markets. To do so, we must continue to closely link farmers – cooperatives – enterprises – the State,” affirmed Mr. Quang Van Hop, Director of Muong Khieng Aquaculture – Fruit Tree Growing and General Services Cooperative.

From a poor rural area on the banks of the Da River, Muong Khieng today is gradually asserting its position as a key aquaculture area of Son La province. That success comes not only from the determination of the people but also from the synchronous participation of local authorities, cooperatives and especially the close cooperation of the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance and the Son La Provincial Cooperative Alliance.

The journey to “awaken the lake” is still long, but what is happening in Muong Khieng is a typical model of cooperative economic development, promoting local resources, gradually eliminating hunger and reducing poverty, and moving towards a more sustainable future for the people of the Northwest mountainous region.