The production value of the Ca Mau shrimp currently accounts for 80% of the total production value of the aquaculture sector. Photo: VASEP

Boosting Aquaculture Potential in Ca Mau: Sustainable Shrimp Farming Development

VIET NAM
Thursday, April 24, 2025, 04:00 (GMT + 9)

On March 15, 2021, the Executive Committee of the Party of Dam Doi district, in Ca Mau province, issued a resolution aimed at aquaculture development in the 2021-2025 period. With the support of provincial authorities, the leadership of the district Party Committee, and the joint efforts of various institutional levels, the aquaculture sector has recorded notable progress.

Strong Growth in Shrimp Farming

Currently, Dam Doi has over 1,500 hectares dedicated to intensive and super-intensive shrimp farming (STC), involving more than 2,100 households. This model has proven highly profitable, with yields of 30 to 40 tons per hectare per crop.

Provincia de Ca Mau (en rojo) -->

A prominent example is farmer Pham Minh Dien, who cultivates STC shrimp on an area of over 20,000 m². In 2024 alone, he released 300,000 shrimp into four ponds, achieving a production of over 20 tons. With prices ranging from 100,000 to 150,000 VND/kg (equivalent to 4.08 – 6.12 USD/kg), his income exceeded 500 million VND (approximately 20,400 USD) in net profit.

Productive Diversification

In addition to STC, shrimp is cultivated under the improved extensive system with low water exchange. Currently, this model covers 48,000 hectares, with a productivity of 500 to 600 kg/ha/year. In 2024, Dam Doi reached a total aquaculture production of 116,600 tons, surpassing the annual target and growing by 1.3% compared to the same period last year.

The district is also committed to sustainable models such as organic black tiger shrimp farming in forest areas of Tan Tien, Tan Thuan, and Nguyen Huan, covering over 5,100 hectares, with yields of 350 kg/ha/year, aiming to obtain organic certifications to enhance value in the domestic and international markets.

The intensive shrimp and STC farming area in the district currently covers over 1,500 hectares, with over 2,100 farming families. (Photo taken in Ta An Khuong Nam commune.) Source: vietnam.vn

Key Investments and Strategic Planning

Dam Doi has been integrated into the province's general planning, requesting investments to strengthen its aquaculture infrastructure. Some important projects include:

These efforts seek to attract investment and consolidate sustainable development of the sector.

Innovation, Production Models, and Technology

In 2024, 142 successful production models were replicated, 102 of them in aquaculture. The district promotes models such as STC farming, improved two-phase extensive farming with biological products, and combined shrimp farming with crab or blood cockle, seeking to increase productivity and sustainability.

Mr. Pham Minh Dien (left) checks his family's STC-farmed shrimp. Source: vietnam.vn

Through the "One Commune, One Product" (OCOP) program, 12 new 3-star rated products were developed. In total, the district has 50 OCOP products, 10 of them with 4 stars.

The application of science and technology has also been prioritized. Farmers receive technical training and support from institutes, companies, and specialized engineers. Within this framework, two district-funded science and technology projects totaling 540 million VND (approximately 22,000 USD) were implemented, focusing on the combined cultivation of shrimp with crab and with seaweed. Both were evaluated as successful and their expansion is planned for 2025.

"Super-intensive" shrimp pond in Hoa Tan commune, Ca Mau city, Ca Mau province. – VNA/VNS Photo by Kim Há

Prospects for 2025

With sound policies, strategic planning, and active community participation, Dam Doi district continues to consolidate its aquaculture leadership in Ca Mau. Total production is expected to reach 118,000 tons in 2025, boosting regional economic development and enhancing the competitiveness of aquaculture products in the global market.

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