Bac Lieu Hits USD 1.2 Billion in Seafood Exports for the First Time

As a key aquaculture hub, Bac Lieu maintains nearly 140,000 hectares of farming area, including close to 135,000 hectares dedicated to shrimp farming. The province has diversified its production with nearly 33,000 hectares used for super-intensive, intensive, and semi-intensive shrimp farming. Additionally, the shrimp-rice farming model remains strong, covering 46,850 hectares.

In 2024, Bac Lieu led the nation in aquaculture output, producing over 430,000 tons, including 305,300 tons of shrimp and 126,870 tons of fish and other seafood. This placed the province ahead of other major aquaculture regions like Ca Mau (410,000 tons) and Soc Trang (310,000 tons).

One of the key highlights in Bac Lieu’s aquaculture success has been the adoption of clean, organic, and high-tech farming practices. The province now has six companies certified as high-tech agricultural enterprises by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the provincial government. Furthermore, 23 businesses, cooperatives, and 316 households have obtained international certifications like BAP, GlobalGAP, and ASC. Five organizations have also been certified for organic products, an increase from the previous year.

With ambitions to become the national center for shrimp production, Bac Lieu is focusing on advancing high-tech shrimp farming to create breakthroughs in its aquaculture industry. Pham Van Thieu, Chairman of Bac Lieu’s People’s Committee, emphasized the province’s commitment to leveraging its marine resources for economic growth. The province is actively restructuring agriculture to enhance product value and sustainability.

The shrimp-rice farming model has been instrumental in driving economic growth, delivering dual productivity and improving local livelihoods. In 2024, Bac Lieu produced 1.2 million tons of rice, with an average yield of 7 tons per hectare. The province continues to promote high-quality rice varieties while encouraging farmers to transition to ecological shrimp-rice farming.

Currently, the shrimp-rice farming area has expanded to over 46,800 hectares, demonstrating strong economic effectiveness. Bac Lieu aims to increase this to 70,000 hectares upon the completion of the water regulation project in the southern region of National Highway 1A.

High-tech shrimp farming has significantly boosted productivity, yielding 10 to 15 times more than traditional farming methods. The province has established five high-tech shrimp farming zones covering over 7,000 hectares and developed two biosecure shrimp farming areas that meet global standards. Additionally, five local organizations have received organic shrimp farming certification. Improved infrastructure has helped Bac Lieu achieve a shrimp production volume of 320,000 tons in 2024.

Despite these successes, challenges remain. High input costs are affecting farmers’ incomes, while rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion threaten shrimp-rice fields. To mitigate these issues, Bac Lieu has urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to expedite water regulation projects and coastal erosion prevention works. These initiatives are critical to ensuring a sustainable freshwater supply for ecological shrimp-rice farming.

VFM