Sa Mu is one of three peaks located in the "Bermuda Triangle" area, within the Ta Xua Special Forest. The unique feature of Sa Mu lies in its pristine primary forest with rich vegetation.
With its vast potential in terms of water surface area, exceeding 13,000 hectares in the districts of Quynh Nhai, Muong La, Thuan Chau, etc., Son La province has implemented numerous solutions to exploit and utilize the water surface in the reservoir area over the years.hydroelectricfor aquaculture. Along with that, local departments and agencies have proactively coordinated with relevant units to implement scientific and technological tasks to effectively exploit the "Son La Da River Fish" certification mark, linked to the national target program for building new rural areas in the locality.
The "Son La Da River Fish" certification mark was registered with the Intellectual Property Office in 2018. Immediately after receiving the certificate, the Department of Science and Technology granted the right to use the certification mark to 13 organizations and individuals raising fish in cages in Quynh Nhai, Muong La, and Thuan Chau districts. However, the "Son La Da River Fish" certification mark has not yet been fully effective. In response to this, in 2022, Son La province launched a project to develop a model for effectively exploiting the "Son La Da River Fish" certification mark to serve the new rural development program, under the Intellectual Property Development Program until 2030; led by the Center for Research and Development of Agricultural Systems, under the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences.
Mr. Bui Quang Duan, M.Sc., Center for Research and Development of Agricultural Systems, Project LeaderThe project, implemented since 2022, has provided support in terms of knowledge on building and developing markets for products, connecting them with distribution channels. Furthermore, within the framework of the project, we have collaborated with cooperatives to organize production plans to bring the most advantageous fish products from the Quynh Nhai region to the Hanoi market. For example, we are focusing on the snakehead fish, a popular species in Quynh Nhai district, to ensure high quality for the market.
The project team developed a model by granting the right to use the certification mark to 5 eligible fish cage farming cooperatives on the hydropower reservoir; among them, 3 cooperatives in Quynh Nhai district were selected to participate in the model: Ho Quynh Fisheries Cooperative, Chieng On commune; Chieng Khoang commune Fisheries Cooperative; and An Binh Fisheries Cooperative, Chieng Bang commune. Simultaneously, activities included providing consultancy on exploiting the certification mark; building and connecting trade channels, directly introducing products to organizations and individuals for distribution and consumption; and organizing training to enhance the capacity of people participating in the model.
Ms. Dieu Quynh Nga, Vice Chairperson of the People's Committee of Chieng Bang Commune, Quynh Nhai District, Son La ProvinceThe establishment of a certified brand for Da River fish in Quynh Nhai district in general, and Chieng Bang commune in particular, is a significant potential advantage for the development of the commune's fisheries industry. It creates opportunities for Da River fish products from cooperatives in Chieng Bang commune to access a larger market, provides employment for cooperative members, and will facilitate the expansion of fish cages in the area in the future.
In addition, the project team built a Facebook fanpage that meets quality standards for both content and design; designed and printed 60,000 product labels, including product information traceability labels; 300 handbooks introducing the cooperative, businesses, and products; and 1,500 leaflets introducing the technical process of fish farming. To date, these products have been handed over to cooperatives for use in connecting with product distribution channels.
Mr. Lam Duc Do, Director of Ho Quynh Aquaculture Cooperative, Muong Giang, Quynh Nhai, Son LaThe district and commune are very interested. Recently, they implemented a model for exploiting the certified trademark for Da River fish under the Ministry of Agriculture, and I think it's very good. Because I cooperate with my commune to produce and sell this fish in Hanoi and neighboring provinces. I think building a brand is a great idea.
The successful development of the "Son La Da River Fish" certification mark model for rural development has helped participating cooperatives connect with and expand their markets, enhancing the reputation and competitiveness of their products. The project's results will also provide a practical basis and valuable lessons for organizations and individuals to continue exploiting community trademarks in other localities within Son La province.
Performed by: Manh Tien