Australian Farmers Embrace Innovative Practices to Boost Shrimp and Crab Production
Mr. Le Van Linh is using fertilizer to promote the growth of algae, which serve as a natural food source and stabilize the aquatic environment for shrimp and crabs. Photo: PHAM HIEU
In the morning, in his 4-hectare shrimp farming pond, Mr. Le Van Linh from Vinh Thuan village in Vinh Thuan commune is busy fertilizing the water to promote the growth of algae, a natural food source, and stabilize the aquatic environment needed for shrimp and crabs farming. According to Mr. Linh, previously shrimp farming in Vinh Thuan relied heavily on experience and was highly dependent on weather conditions, resulting in low and irregular yields. Instead of leaving it to chance, many farmers have started to undergo training on applying science and technology, and learning from successful models. As a result, an improved extensive shrimp farming model was established and quickly replicated locally. “Before, I simply raised them by releasing them into the ponds and waiting for them to grow naturally. Now, I have to renovate the ponds, manage the water source, use organic products to create a natural food source, and carefully select the fry… Thanks to these new methods, the shrimp are healthy, grow quickly, and are less prone to diseases,” Mr. Linh concludes.
Many farmers in Vinh Thuan commune have been able to apply enhanced solutions, doubling or even tripling the productivity of shrimp and crab farming by utilizing higher stocking densities. This improved extensive farming model helps reduce risks and stabilize incomes. “In Vinh Thuan, most agricultural practices now involve science and technology. For example, rice cultivation, from land preparation to planting, spraying pesticides, and harvesting, is entirely mechanized. For shrimp farming, farmers prefer organic methods to produce healthy shrimp with higher economic value. Additionally, combining the farming of shrimp and crabs allows for the use of natural food resources and increases profitability on the same land area. With this combined shrimp, crab, and rice farming model, farmers earn over 100 million VND per hectare per year,” explains Mr. Linh.
Unsatisfied with the traditional shrimp and rice farming model, residents of Vinh Thuan have boldly experimented with new approaches. Instead of naturally rearing crabs, Mr. Nguyen Huy Khoa from hamlet 3 invested in a cement basin system using water recirculation technology, leading to increased profitability. According to Mr. Khoa, with this model, the water in the basins is filtered and recirculated by a biological treatment system, creating a stable and constant environment. Moreover, farmers can proactively manage their feed sources and reduce the risks of epidemics. As a result, crabs grow faster and have higher survival rates compared to traditional farming methods. “With every 12m² pond, I can raise up to 500 crabs. Thanks to this model alone, I sell several tons of crabs in the market each year at a price over 250 million VND per ton,” Mr. Khoa stated.
A Sustainable Path
The story of shrimp and crab farming in Vinh Thuan commune demonstrates that innovation is not only the key to development but also the essential path to prosperity in remote regions. According to Mr. Huynh Ngoc Nguyen, the chairman of the People’s Committee of Vinh Thuan commune, innovation in these regions stems from everyday needs. It involves a shift in mindset from an empirical approach to a scientific approach to increase the value of products. Additionally, local populations have learned to establish cooperatives, develop brands, implement traceability systems, and connect product consumption. They use digital platforms to promote and sell online, expanding their markets. These changes have helped increase the value of products and ensure more stable livelihoods for the population. “Recently, the region has focused on adapting agricultural and farming practices to local conditions. We have developed high-quality, environmentally friendly models of rice and aquaculture. We have encouraged the application of science, technology, and synchronized mechanization in production, which has reduced costs and increased the added value of products. At the same time, we have mobilized resources to invest in production infrastructure to create a harmonious and sustainable rural ecosystem, and notably improve the population’s incomes,” Mr. Huynh Ngoc Nguyen stated.
Vinh Thuan supports and encourages farmers to adopt a different approach to traditional agricultural production, including green agriculture, circular agriculture, cooperatives, and businesses investing in technological innovation. The use of safe, organic, and circular production methods helps increase added value. Additionally, the commune is gradually implementing models of “digital agriculture” and “digital raw material zones” in suitable hamlets. These models, linked to product traceability and distribution through e-commerce platforms, contribute to improving productivity and product quality, reducing costs, protecting the environment, and enhancing the residents’ daily lives.
PHAM HIEU
