Ca Mau builds a clean and sustainable shrimp industry

“The aim is to lead the nation in seafood exports, set a national model for clean and sustainable shrimp farming, and most importantly, help farmers prosper in their homeland,” said Luu Hoang Ly, deputy director of Ca Mau’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Cutting costs, lifting competitiveness

Reducing farming costs remains the most pressing challenge. Vietnam’s shrimp production costs, including in Ca Mau, are still higher than in Thailand and Ecuador, undermining competitiveness. Uneven yields, high input prices and low success rates continue to push up raw material costs, keeping Vietnam among the world’s highest.

“Although Ca Mau is dubbed the shrimp capital, exporters still import thousands of tons of raw shrimp from India, Thailand and Ecuador, where prices are about VND 30,000/kg cheaper,” said Tran Tuan Khanh, general director of Trang Khanh Processing and Import-Export. “To grow sustainably and protect the Vietnamese shrimp brand, we must lower farming costs.”

Farmers’ reliance on major feed and seed suppliers also complicates traceability, as multi-tiered distribution systems make it harder to monitor origins while driving up expenses.

A different approach is seen at Cai Bat Cooperative in Hung My commune, which partners directly with companies to secure feed, seed and buyers. This integration cuts out middlemen, reduces costs and raises profits. “With 311 hectares of certified farms, we supply over 150 tons of shrimp and crab annually, with several products already earning OCOP certification,” said Nguyen Hoang An, the cooperative’s chairman.

Raising standards, protecting the environment

Rapid growth has brought environmental concerns. Ca Mau is pushing high-tech, zero-discharge systems to meet domestic and international certification. By 2025, the province aims to establish 28–30 supply chains linking cooperatives and processors, covering 100,000 hectares of improved extensive shrimp (QCCT) certified under ASC, plus 1,000 hectares of super-intensive systems.

Since mid-2023, Ca Mau’s Department of Science and Technology, in partnership with Can Tho University, has piloted super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming in recirculating systems combined with multi-species culture. Trials at three sites delivered strong results, showing high efficiency, low risk and potential for scaling.

In Tan Hung commune, 650 hectares of two-stage improved extensive shrimp farms are also on track toward ASC certification. “Farmers here are eager to follow protocols and cooperate with scientists, businesses and authorities to lift yields and incomes,” said local farmers’ leader Tran Huu Nghia.

With a 310-kilometer coastline and 120,000 square kilometers of seawater, Ca Mau has capacity to develop 10-20 high-tech shrimp farming zones of 500-1,000 hectares each, producing 150,000-300,000 tons annually. “These zones will operate under circular economy principles, minimizing disease and pollution while supplying clean shrimp for export,” said Trinh Trung Phi, deputy technical director of Viet Uc Bac Lieu.

Under its 2025-2030 shrimp strategy, Ca Mau targets more than 17,000 hectares of super-intensive, high-tech shrimp farms; over 300,000 hectares of improved extensive farms; and at least 30,000 hectares certified under ASC, BAP or Organic standards.

To achieve this, the province plans to establish a national center for shrimp seed, feed and technology; expand high-tech farming tied to environmental safeguards; promote digital transformation; and invest in irrigation, power, logistics, processing and seaports to build a closed value chain from farms to export.

With strong political commitment and growing investor interest, Ca Mau is consolidating its role as Vietnam’s national shrimp hub. The province is attracting capital in broodstock, high-tech farming, processing and branding. Its ultimate goal: to become a global model for green, clean and sustainable shrimp farming.

VFM