Deep processing adds value to Sa Pa cold-water fish

Linkage between processing and consuming products to stabilize output

Sa Pa cold-water fish is currently sold to many markets inside and outside Lao Cai province, but the output is unstable, increasing and decreasing erratically. Faced with the above difficulty, a number of cooperatives in the area have boldly invested in the deep processing of cold-water fish products, especially Sa Pa salmon.

Thuc Mai Seafood, Salmon, and Sturgeon Processing Cooperative in Can Ho Mong village, Ngu Chi Son commune (Sa Pa, Lao Cai) is the first unit to follow this direction.

Ms. Pham Thi Mai, Director of Thuc Mai Seafood, Salmon, and Sturgeon Processing Cooperative, decided to develop salmon farming in a closed model and invest in machinery for deep processing to increase product value. Along with that, the cooperative purchased salmon and sturgeon and provided seeds and high-quality animal feed for farming facilities and people to consume the products.

After investing in factories, machinery, and equipment for processing, the cooperative expanded product consumption linkages for fish farmers with the support of local government and functional units in Sa Pa town. As of now, the cooperative has 10 products meeting OCOP standards.

Deeply processed collaborative products from cold-water fish include salmon floss, salmon sausage, salmon patties, salmon rolls, salmon fillets, salmon loins, smoked salmon, etc., that are trusted and welcomed by consumers, helping to consume tens of tons of cold-water fish each year.

Developing cold-water fish in a safe and sustainable direction

According to Ms. Tran Thi Lan Huong, Deputy Head of the Economic Department of Sa Pa town, in 2023, the Town Economic Department continued to advise the Town People's Committee to strengthen state management in aquaculture and seafood development, especially cold-water seafood.

In particular, it is necessary to coordinate with communes and wards to strengthen dissemination, advocacy, and guidance for cold-water aquaculture establishments to develop farming in a safe and sustainable direction, absolutely not using banned substances in livestock. The establishment of cooperatives and farming groups is encouraged to strengthen cross management and supervision among aquaculture facilities.

Regularly inspect the implementation of the State’s regulations for cold-water fish farming facilities; detect and handle violations in seafood production and business according to regulations.

Currently, there are 307 cold-water fish farming facilities in the town, and in the coming time, many small establishments will arise. Over 60% of farming facilities are owned by ethnic minority households, and most do not have a stable consumption market.

In the town, there are five cold-water fish processing enterprises and cooperatives that link and purchase products from people for deep processing, including: Song Nhi Trading and Service One-Member Company Limited; Thuc Mai Seafood, Salmon, and Sturgeon Processing Cooperative; Minh Duc Cooperative; Nguyen Trong Quynh Business Household; and Thanh Thanh General Trading Service Cooperative.

The processing capacity of these units can reach an average of over 300 tons/year. Currently, in the area, there are about 20 products pre-processed and processed from salmon and sturgeon. Outstanding products include Sa Pa salmon floss, Sa Pa salmon sausage, Sa Pa salmon patties, Sa Pa salmon rolls, Sa Pa salmon rolled with cheese, Sa Pa sturgeon sausage, etc.

According to the Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the goal of developing Lao Cai Province's seafood from now to 2030 is to increase commodity production and build a linkage chain of production, processing, and consumption to ensure stable output for over 20% of total seafood production.

The solution is to form and develop farms, cooperative groups, and cooperatives to link aquaculture associated with the pre-processing and processing of specialty aquatic products and advantageous products of the province. Develop pre-processed and processed aquatic products associated with tourism development.

In recent years, the development of cold-water fish farming in the highlands has contributed to creating jobs, developing infrastructure, increasing incomes, and improving people's lives. It also helps protect national security in remote and border areas.

The evidence is that the production of cold-water fish farming has increased rapidly in recent years. In 2007, after two years of bringing it back to Vietnam, the output was only 95 tons; in 2010, it increased to 450 tons. By 2015, the output had reached 1,500 tons, and by 2020, it was estimated to reach about 4,000 tons. The growth of cold-water fish in the period 2007–2020 averaged 68%/year.