Tilapia–shrimp polyculture gains ground in Vinh Long
Coastal farmers in Vietnam’s Vinh Long province are increasingly adopting tilapia–shrimp polyculture as a climate-resilient and profitable aquaculture model.
The integrated approach, which combines tilapia with whiteleg shrimp, is gaining momentum for its disease-mitigating benefits and improved feed efficiency.
In this system, tilapia are fed floating pellets, allowing easier intake monitoring and reduced water pollution. Uneaten feed is then consumed by shrimp, lowering waste and production costs. Typical grow-out cycles are 135-140 days for tilapia and 75-90 days for shrimp.
Nguyen Tri Thong, a local aquaculture expert, recommends stocking 5-6 tilapia per square meter while maintaining optimal dissolved oxygen levels to ensure high survival rates. Currently, nearly 40 hectares across the communes of Cau Ngang, My Long, Nhi Truong, Vinh Kim, and Hiep My have adopted the model, supported by the Cau Ngang Agricultural Service and Technical Center.
With 130 km of coastline, Vinh Long views tilapia polyculture as a pathway toward more sustainable coastal aquaculture. However, scaling up will require improved market access, investment in cold chain infrastructure, and stronger value chain linkages from farm to export.
VFM
