High-tech shrimp farming is a strictly regulated operation that complies to high technical requirements to guarantee both animal health and product quality. These strategies include using sensors to track temperature, water level, dissolved oxygen, and other environmental factors; maximizing shrimp growth through hydroponic or closed-system shrimp farming; and managing the shrimp farming process through synchronization techniques. From the farming pond to the settling pond, the water storage pond, the waste pond, and most importantly, the waste treatment system, the farming process is also reorganized sensibly and consistently.
In addition, the farming model also applies biological techniques such as using microorganisms to create ideal living conditions and prevent diseases in shrimp. Or using automatic watering systems and water filtration systems to minimize the impact of pollutants in water on the shrimp farming process.
High-tech shrimp farming has many benefits, such as increasing productivity and efficiency in the shrimp farming process, minimizing the impact of external factors on the shrimp farming process, ensuring the quality and food safety of farmed shrimp. Currently, high-tech shrimp farming is widely applied in developed countries and becoming a development trend of the shrimp farming industry in the world.
The use of advanced technology in farming, processing, and exporting has advanced significantly in Vietnam in recent years in several Mekong Delta shrimp farming regions of shrimp processing businesses. To satisfy worldwide standards, numerous businesses have made investments in using advanced technologies at every level, including breeding, farming, processing, and exporting.
Numerous difficulties
Despite this, there are numerous benefits to the high-tech shrimp farming model over the traditional method of farming. However, this technique also necessitates a large initial investment and requires farmers to possess advanced shrimp farming knowledge and skills. This is also the reason why high-tech shrimp farming has only made up a small portion of the industry thus far.
According to an evaluation by Bac Lieu's Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the area would have 5,590 hectares of highly technologically advanced, super-intensive shrimp farming by the end of 2023, which is 56 times more than the amount that was recorded in 2015. Nonetheless, this outcome is still quite low when compared to the region's approximately 145,000 hectares of aquaculture production, the most of which is for shrimp.
It is estimated that farmers need at least 1 billion VND to spend in one hectare of high-tech shrimp farming. In addition, the initial crop investment (seedlings, feed, biological products, energy, labor, etc.) costs at least 400 to 500 million VND per hectare, as does the infrastructure investment (pond rehabilitation, machinery, equipment, etc.). Although this model has the highest success rate of 80 to 90%, farmers must have enough capital for at least three crops in order to maintain production and anticipate profits in the subsequent crops in case that the first crop is damaged.
One of the major challenges in developing high-tech shrimp farming is the shortage of skilled human resources. This industry requires experts with strong knowledge of science and technology, but there is currently a lack of qualified professionals. This gap significantly hinders the implementation of high-tech applications and makes it difficult to widely adopt and scale advanced farming models.
Additionally, high-tech shrimp farming leads to increased production output. However, the industry still struggles with the challenge of lower prices during good harvests, which affects profitability. The market for shrimp products remains limited and unstable, while competitiveness and economic efficiency are not yet on par with the level of investment being made.
Infrastructure for high-tech shrimp farming in Vietnam also faces significant challenges. Many facilities still lack synchronized and modernized systems, while environmental management and wastewater treatment remain weak, impacting productivity and product quality. Compared to industry leaders like Ecuador and Thailand, Vietnam must make substantial improvements to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of its high-tech shrimp farming sector.
Orientation for high-tech shrimp farming development
The Mekong Delta is seeing a sharp increase in high-tech shrimp farming, which is predicted to take the lead in the shrimp market. Significant developments in breeding, feed, water treatment, and waste management technology, along with better farming methods and models, are the main drivers of this increase.
Thanks to significant infrastructural expenditures, high-tech shrimp farming techniques have been effectively implemented in Vietnamese provinces including Ben Tre, Soc Trang, and Quang Ninh. These initiatives use automated monitoring technologies, closed farming systems, and the most advanced environmental management systems, all of which reduce potential risks and increase output.
To sustain and further develop this model, Vietnam’s shrimp industry requires strong investment and practical policy support from the government. Such initiatives will not only enhance shrimp output and quality but also ensure long-term sustainability and global competitiveness. Tax incentives, loan programs, and investment support schemes will encourage businesses to invest boldly in this sector. Additionally, non-governmental and international organizations can contribute financial aid, technical expertise, and best practices for sustainable shrimp farming. At the same time, measures should be in place to stabilize shrimp prices and market demand, ensuring that businesses, cooperatives, and farmers feel confident in their investments.
At the local level, clearly defined farming zones tailored to different models should be established. Furthermore, effective wastewater and waste management solutions - particularly for high-tech farms are essential to achieving both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Huong Tra (source: thuysanvietnam)