Low cost, reduced risk
In 2022, Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center has implemented two models of integrated aquaculture for shrimp, crab and fish, and built two demonstration sites. The results of the models show a positive effect. Households participating in the model earn 150-180 million VND/ha. Shrimp and fish farming with crab and fish has low initial investment costs because it uses the space of mangrove ecosystem, allowing farmers to reduce the cost of pond and lake improvement. Based on the results obtained, Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center will replicate the model in the coming period.
Mixed cultivation of shrimp and fish can utilize the space of mangrove ecosystem, allowing farmers to reduce pond renovation costs. Picture: VDT
At present, the shrimp-crab integrated fish farming model has attracted fishermen in brackish-water shrimp farming areas and has been approached by many people to convert. Therefore, in 2023, Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center will continue to deploy 3 aquaculture models, including the shrimp-crab integrated fish farming model in brackish water aquaculture areas, and build demonstration points to make technology transfer for fishermen more effective.
By participating in the model of integrated aquaculture of shrimp, crab and fish in mangrove eco-ponds, fishermen are supported with 50% of the cost of seeds and essential materials; technical instructions on how to prevent diseases …
According to Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center, in the field of aquaculture, people are increasingly interested in the model of integrated aquaculture, mixed cultures in brackish water areas; intensive farming of commercial Vannamei shrimp using semi-biofloc technology; Fish farming in freshwater ponds is linked to the consumption chain.
Therefore, in this year 2023, Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center will build 3 aquaculture models, including: Shrimp Crab Integrated Fish Culture in Ecological Mangrove Ponds; commercial eel farming in freshwater ponds and commercial pearl trout farming in irrigation ponds. As for the integrated polyculture model in ecological mangrove ponds, this unit has deployed 2 models with 3 demonstration sites, including 2 sites in Phuoc Son and Phuoc Thang communes (Tuy Phuoc district) and 1 site in Cat Minh commune (Phu Cat district). Scale of 1 hectare/venue.
Mangroves grow well and create a favorable environment for integrated aquaculture. Picture: VDT
Currently, the technical staff of the Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center, in cooperation with the communities, are evaluating and selecting suitable households to participate in the model, which will be officially implemented in March 2023. During the implementation process, Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center organizes training courses and technical training for people to replicate and transfer techniques.
Many prospects for replication
Tuy Phuoc is the place with the largest brackish water aquaculture area in Binh Dinh Province. In 2022, 42 ha of shrimp ponds and lakes will be affected by diseases in this district. In particular, in the Vannamei shrimp intensive farming area in Dong Dien Village (Phuoc Thang Municipality), there was a situation where the percentage of salt water was below the allowable level, many ponds could not use the VietGAP shrimp farming method, forced to switch to other farming methods.
Due to the influence of climate change, the weather in Binh Dinh is becoming more and more complicated, the phenomenon of freshwater culture is common, so Tuy Phuoc’s agricultural industry urgently needs to replicate the aquaculture model synthesized in ponds, cultivation areas with mangroves in the surrounding area to reduce risks to reduce.
The model of integrated aquaculture of shrimp, crab and fish in brackish water farming areas is accepted and emulated by Binh Dinh fishermen. Picture: VDT
“Not all shrimp farming areas are eligible to apply new technologies in intensive farming, so the integrated farming model is the right direction for sustainable shrimp farming. Raising shrimp and fish between crab and fish uses the space of mangrove ecosystem, people reduce both investment costs and risks. Although the profit is not as high as intensive shrimp farming, shrimp farming according to an integrated model will protect the environment and reduce risks. In addition to the two models supported by the provincial agricultural advisory center, the district will adopt another model to gradually apply to agricultural areas in the district,” said Pham Quang An, deputy chief of the district’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Tuyen, called Phuoc.
Aquaculture in Phu Cat district has the advantage of utilizing the space of mangrove ecosystem that runs along Cat Thanh, Cat Khanh and Cat Minh communes. This is a favorable condition for imitating the model of integrated shrimp-crab fish farming. Mangroves grow well and create a favorable environment for integrated aquaculture. Therefore, the functional sector of this district has allocated mangrove forests to households to combine aquaculture and mangrove conservation.
“Due to the success of the pilot models, the Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center will gradually complete the technical process, further deploy and replicate in 2023. The integrated aquaculture model in ecological ponds of flooded forests. The salt water is suitable for brackish shrimp farming in the coastal areas due to its sustainability and Adaptation to climate change, so we will soon pass the technology on to humans to imitate,” said Mr. Binh Dinh Agricultural Extension Center.