(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2024, Ben Tre province expanded its high-technology application in aquaculture by an additional 523 hectares, surpassing the planned target of 500 hectares and achieving a fulfillment rate of 104.6%. To date, the province has converted 3,633 hectares to high-tech aquaculture out of the 4,000-hectare goal, representing 90.82% progress towards the 2021-2025 phase plan. This sector yields an average productivity of 60-70 tons per hectare, with a total output reaching 221,282 tons. The average profit margin ranges from VND 700 to 800 million per farming season, delivering substantial economic benefits to the local populace.
The merits of this farming model reside in its enclosed investment structure, which effectively isolates operations from external disease vectors during the initial phases. It also facilitates high-density stocking, optimized feed and environmental management protocols, and enhanced survival rates, enabling the production of larger-sized shrimp. This approach fosters increased productivity per unit area and notably streamlines waste management processes throughout the culture cycle.
Currently, Ben Tre province is delineating concentrated shrimp farming zones. Ba Tri district hosts a 222-hectare zone with investment from five enterprises; Thanh Phu district encompasses a 165-hectare zone involving eight households and corporate investment; and Binh Dai district is actively promoting the development of a further 150-hectare concentrated area across Thanh Phuoc and Dai Hoa Loc communes. Concurrently, ongoing support is extended to local residents to foster intra-regional collaborations, specifically through assisting in the establishment of cooperative groups and cooperative societies dedicated to high-tech shrimp farming methodologies.
Of particular note is the escalating enhancement of seed production quality within the province. Currently, Ben Tre is home to 79 brackish water shrimp seed facilities, including three specialized in whiteleg shrimp seed production. These whiteleg shrimp facilities possess a combined capacity of 2 to 4 billion seeds per year per establishment. The remaining 76 facilities function as modest-scale nurseries for black tiger shrimp seed, contributing to the supply of seed stock for both local and adjacent regions.
Furthermore, provincial authorities are finalizing dossiers for ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) certification for a 90-hectare high-tech shrimp farming zone in Thanh Hai commune (Thanh Phu district). Collaborative efforts with processing enterprises, notably the Minh Phu supply chain and Viet Hai Seafood Processing Co., Ltd., are underway to secure BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) certification for 96 hectares of high-tech shrimp farms. Support continues to be provided to individuals in compiling certification documentation for 150 hectares of brackish water shrimp farming intended to meet ASC standards in Binh Dai district. To date, the province boasts over 5,459 hectares of aquaculture production adhering to organic, GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), and equivalent standards.