Communes such as Son Giang, Son Hong, Son Tay, Son Kim 1, Son Kim 2 and Kim Hoa have long been known as the “capital” of spotted deer farming in Ha Tinh.

Raising deer for velvet antlers is not only a traditional occupation but has also become a major economic sector, generating significant income for residents in mountainous communities.

Currently, the province’s total deer population exceeds 40,000, with more than 60 percent producing velvet antlers. More than 15,000 households are engaged in deer farming, and in many mountainous communes the proportion of households raising deer reaches between 80 and 90 percent.

Deer farming in the former Huong Son district generates hundreds of billions of dong each year.

At this time of year, the deer velvet harvest enters its peak season with promising signs.

Estimates show that production this year could exceed 20 tonnes, bringing in more than VND200 billion (US$8.2 million) for farmers.

High-quality velvet currently sells for around VND11 million to VND11.5 million per kilogram (US$450 to US$470), maintaining a stable and relatively high price.

This allows farmers to earn strong profits, particularly as demand for velvet antlers as gifts and health supplements typically rises at the beginning of the year.

Thanks to deer farming, many households in Huong Son’s mountainous areas have significantly improved their incomes and gradually escaped poverty.

Local residents say that in the past, velvet antlers were harvested mainly during a short seasonal period, typically from after the Lunar New Year until the end of the third lunar month.

However, thanks to improved breeding techniques and better disease prevention, many farmers can now harvest antlers throughout the year, helping stabilize supply and reduce seasonal pressure on the market.

Nguyen Trong The, a 45-year-old farmer in Son Tay commune who has raised deer for many years, said the velvet antlers grew early this year, coinciding with a lively market.

His family raises 10 deer and recently harvested a pair of antlers weighing more than 1.5 kilograms, earning nearly VND40 million (US$1,640).

Every year, farmers cut deer velvet to sell to customers.

Nguyen Thi Hoa, another resident in the same commune, said many customers come directly to farms to buy velvet antlers.

After harvesting, the antlers are processed into various products such as sliced and dried velvet, powdered supplements or velvet soaked in alcohol, meeting diverse consumer demand.

Each kilogram of deer velvet sells for around VND11 million.

According to a leader of the Son Giang commune People’s Committee, deer farming across communes in the former Huong Son district generates more than VND220 billion (US$9 million) annually.

In Son Giang alone, the total deer population has reached about 12,500, producing an estimated six tonnes of velvet antlers each year.

The commune also sells more than 1,000 breeding deer annually to markets in other localities.

The local official said deer farming brings around VND70 billion (US$2.9 million) in annual income to Son Giang alone, providing a sustainable livelihood and helping many households improve their living standards and escape poverty.

Thien Luong