Hundreds of tonnes of cage fish head to market for Tet

These days, the atmosphere among fish farming households in the Ben Thuy area of Thuong Lam Commune has become more vibrant than ever. Hundreds of tonnes of commercial fish are ready for the Tet season, promising local residents a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.

Cage fish raised on the Tuyen Quang hydropower reservoir have now become a sought-after brand, chosen by diners from across the country to prepare and enjoy in traditional Lunar New Year feasts.

A cage fish farming area in Ben Thuy, Thuong Lam Commune.

The fish cages are skillfully designed and assembled to ensure water circulation and adequate dissolved oxygen, helping the fish grow healthily and minimizing disease risks when raised at high densities.

Fish are strictly inspected before being released to the market.

Feeding continues regularly with both natural feed and commercial pellets to maintain the fish’s stable health before sale and transportation to consumption markets.

Fish are harvested onto boats in the early morning. The transport boats are equipped with water-filled compartments and covered with nets to prevent the fish from jumping out.

Many grass carp weigh between 5 and 7 kilograms at the time of sale.

Nguyen Van Tung of Na Tong Village, Thuong Lam Commune, said that on average, each cage yields around three tonnes of fish at harvest, depending on the species, generating revenue of approximately VND 200 million per cage.

The fish are transported ashore.

At Ben Thuy, traders are already waiting to purchase the fish for resale.

Each transport boat can carry about 0.5 tonnes of fish per trip.

The weighing process is carried out swiftly.

Thuong Lam cage fish are supplied to markets such as Ha Giang, Phu Tho and Ha Noi, providing stable income for local households ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Minh Hoang