Cà Mau Province accelerates digital transformation and develops green industry

Amid the global economic challenges posed by climate change and the growing demand for sustainable development, Cà Mau Province has continuously pushed forward digital transformation and emphasized the growth of green industries.

In particular, the agricultural and seafood processing industries, which are key economic sectors of the province, are gradually adopting high-tech and digital solutions to increase production value, meet sustainable economic development criteria, and ensure environmental friendliness. The province is actively implementing digitalization programs across various stages, from management and monitoring to supporting production and business activities in agriculture and aquaculture. Information related to farming, harvesting, processing, and product distribution is integrated and managed through digital platforms.

According to statistics from the Department of Information and Communications of Cà Mau, by 2023, over 80% of seafood processing businesses in the province had adopted information technology and digital solutions for managing production and business operations. Notably, many businesses have implemented automated management systems (IoT) to monitor water quality in shrimp farming areas, enhancing aquaculture efficiency and minimizing environmental impacts.

Alongside the development of processing industries, Cà Mau is also focusing on building a green industry, with an emphasis on minimizing negative environmental impacts. The application of advanced technological solutions helps the province not only develop its economy but also protect its natural resources and environment.

The seafood and agricultural processing industries in Cà Mau have made significant strides in reducing industrial emissions and waste. Specifically, seafood processing factories now apply advanced wastewater treatment technologies to ensure that treated wastewater meets environmental standards before being released into nature.

Waste recycling measures during production processes are also being implemented, such as using sludge from wastewater treatment systems to make organic fertilizer or biofuels. A typical example is the Cà Mau Seafood Processing Joint Stock Company, one of the leading businesses in the province’s seafood industry. The company has invested in a wastewater treatment system with a capacity of over 10,000 m³/day, ensuring that the treated water meets Class A environmental standards set by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

At the same time, the company has also implemented solutions to recycle by-products from shrimp processing into animal feed and other value-added products.

Developing High-Tech Agricultural and Seafood Processing

Cà Mau is one of the largest provinces in Vietnam in terms of agricultural and aquaculture development potential, with over 280,000 hectares of aquaculture and more than 140,000 hectares of agricultural production land. However, to enhance product value, the province has been actively promoting the application of high technology in the processing stages to improve product quality and expand export markets.

The seafood processing industry, particularly shrimp—Cà Mau’s key product—has received substantial investments in modern processing technologies.

According to the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Cà Mau, by 2023, over 70% of the province’s shrimp products have been processed according to international standards such as ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) and GlobalGAP (Good Agricultural Practices), ensuring product quality that meets the requirements of demanding markets like the EU, the US, and Japan. Additionally, Cà Mau is focusing on developing value-added shrimp products such as deep-processed shrimp, dried shrimp, and pre-seasoned frozen shrimp. These products not only increase export value but also help reduce waste during processing and create more jobs for local workers.

To ensure sustainable development that balances economic growth with environmental preservation, Cà Mau is also strengthening efforts to protect and expand its forests, particularly the mangrove forests, which are the province’s “green lungs.” Currently, Cà Mau’s mangrove forest area covers over 90,000 hectares, playing a vital role in maintaining ecosystems and protecting the coastline from the effects of climate change.

Digital Transformation and Green Industry: Cà Mau’s Sustainable Path Forward

The digital transformation and the development of green industries in agriculture and aquaculture are essential and appropriate directions for Cà Mau Province. By applying advanced technologies and sustainable solutions, Cà Mau is not only enhancing product value but also protecting the environment, ensuring harmonious development between the economy and nature.

Investment support policies and administrative reforms have created favorable conditions for both domestic and foreign businesses to invest in the province, contributing to the transformation of rural areas and promoting sustainable economic development in Cà Mau.