Building an ecosystem for sustainable shrimp industry development

Tackling challenges in brackish water shrimp farming

On February 13, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien and his delegation visited Bac Lieu to discuss the development of the brackish water shrimp industry for 2025. During the visit, the delegation surveyed high-tech shrimp farming zones, disease-free farming areas operated by Viet Uc Bac Lieu Corporation and Long Manh Company, as well as the Bac Lieu High-Tech Agricultural Zone for Shrimp Development. They also visited the Trang Khanh shrimp processing plant.

In recent years, Bac Lieu’s aquaculture sector has made significant progress, with many businesses and farmers adopting advanced farming techniques and high-tech solutions to minimize risks in production.

However, the industry continues to face several challenges, including extreme weather, unpredictable disease outbreaks, high feed costs, inconsistent seed quality, and fluctuating shrimp prices. The recurring cycle of high yields but low prices has made some farmers hesitant to invest further.

Currently, the prices of some seafood products, particularly raw shrimp, are on the rise. This positive trend is encouraging for shrimp farmers, providing them with an incentive to maintain and expand their operations in 2025.

Bac Lieu is a key player in shrimp seed production, leading the Mekong Delta and ranking among the top provinces in Vietnam. The province supplies over 50% of the Mekong Delta’s shrimp seed demand and about 22% of the country’s total. It is home to 360 hatcheries and nurseries, including 220 seed production facilities with a combined capacity of 40 billion post larvae per year, and 140 nurseries. Additionally, 30 facilities specialize in giant freshwater prawn seed production, with an annual output of around 1.1 billion postlarvae.

In 2024, Bac Lieu produced approximately 38 billion post larvae, including 14 billion black tiger shrimp, 24 billion white-leg shrimp, and 900 million giant freshwater prawn seed. This production level meets local demand and allows for distribution to other provinces. Notably, Viet Uc Group has been licensed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to produce parent white-leg shrimp. Viet Uc Bac Lieu Corporation has also been certified as a disease-free hatchery by the Department of Animal Health, along with 20 other certified seed production facilities.

Trinh Trung Phi, Deputy General Director of Viet Uc Bac Lieu Corporation, noted that shrimp prices are currently at an attractive level for farmers. However, he also pointed out growing concerns about rising disease risks and worsening water pollution, particularly the high presence of pathogens in water sources. “Farmers should reduce stocking densities and strictly follow biosecurity protocols to minimize risks. If a farm cannot ensure biosecurity, it should reconsider investing in shrimp stocking,” he advised.

Regarding seed production, Viet Uc is using advanced breeding technology to develop shrimp strains with faster growth rates and stronger resistance to diseases, allowing them to thrive even in low-salinity conditions.

During the meeting, Phi proposed that MARD direct relevant agencies to research new shrimp diseases and develop effective prevention and treatment solutions. He also called for a comprehensive strategy to strengthen the shrimp industry, particularly in disease control, policy support, and the development of climate-resilient, low-emission farming models that are both productive and sustainable.

Developing a comprehensive shrimp industry strategy

At the Bac Lieu High-Tech Agricultural Zone for Shrimp Development, Director Le Hoang Minh reported that infrastructure for the zone is 97% complete, with Phase 2 nearing finalization. Nine companies have been selected for investment in four key areas: shrimp farming technology, supplementary equipment, bio-products, seed production, and feed research.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also issued guidelines (Official Document 9027/BNN-TS, dated November 28, 2024) for the completion and operation of the high-tech shrimp farming zone. The Bac Lieu Provincial People’s Committee has instructed relevant agencies to collaborate with the zone’s management board to implement MARD’s recommendations. This includes investing in advanced testing and inspection systems, equipping the zone with necessary facilities, and ensuring proper staffing and management.

To attract investment, authorities are developing specific policies, land-use plans, and regulatory frameworks. In addition, strict monitoring and supervision will be implemented to ensure project completion by 2025.

According to Deputy Minister Phung Duc Tien, building a sustainable shrimp industry ecosystem requires a well-planned approach covering multiple aspects, from farming zones and seed quality to commercial farming, feed production, and processing. Farming areas must meet environmental and biosecurity standards and should be led by key enterprises in collaboration with cooperatives and farmers. Shrimp seed production should focus on fast growth, minimal mortality, and efficient feed conversion. Additionally, farming zones need to be integrated with processing plants, ensuring a seamless supply chain that aligns with export market demands.

By fostering strong industry linkages and a well-structured ecosystem, Vietnam’s shrimp sector can achieve sustainable growth and strengthen its position in the global market.

VFM