In the rice-shrimp region of the Kien Giang province, Vietnam, the past two weeks have marked a period of abundance as farmers commence the harvest of the giant freshwater shrimp crop intercropped with the 2023 summer rice crop.

Favorable Weather Fuels High Yields

Farmers and industry experts alike are attributing the success to the favorable weather conditions, which have resulted in bountiful yields for both rice and shrimp. Particularly noteworthy is the sharp increase in rice prices during the harvest time, further enhancing the financial gains for farmers engaged in the innovative rice-shrimp production model.

A Circular Agriculture Success

The shrimp-rice model in Kien Giang is hailed as a typical example of circular agriculture. In this sustainable system, rice straw is processed and regenerated into organic matter, serving as natural food for shrimp. Conversely, in the shrimp crop, the sludge from shrimp ponds becomes a valuable source of nutrients, creating a symbiotic cycle by nourishing the subsequent rice crop. This closed-loop approach exemplifies the province’s commitment to environmentally conscious and economically viable agriculture practices.

Kien Giang’s Agriculture Landscape

The Kien Giang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development reports that, since the beginning of the year, the rice-shrimp production area in the province has expanded to encompass more than 106,000 hectares.

Rice-Shrimp Model Boosts Farmer Income

In recent years, the province has adopted the shrimp-rice model, a strategic move that has proven to be economically beneficial for farmers. The switch has elevated the average income per hectare from approximately VND 50 million (USD 2,000) to an impressive range of VND 100-130 million (USD 4,000-5,000).

Shrimp-Rice Model’s Impact

This model not only boosts income but also significantly contributes to the province’s overall farmed shrimp output. Over 50% of the entire province’s farmed shrimp comes from this production model, while the rice output amounts to hundreds of thousands of tons annually, catering to both local consumption and export processing.

Future Focus on Product Value Chain

Looking ahead, Kien Giang’s agricultural industry is gearing up for a strategic reorganization of the production model. The focus is on establishing a robust product value chain, spanning from seeds and input materials to commercial farming, processing, and consumption of shrimp and rice products.

Strengthening Production Chain

Key players in this effort include purchasing, processing, and consumption enterprises, acting as vital connectors in organizing the production chain. The emphasis is on consolidating existing structures, establishing new forms of production organization such as cooperative groups, and fostering collaboration with production enterprises along the value chain, particularly in key shrimp-rice production areas.

Ambitious Goals for 2030

With a vision for the future, Kien Giang aims to stabilize the rice-shrimp production area at over 117,000 hectares by the year 2030. This ambitious goal underlines the province’s commitment to the sustainable and prosperous growth of the innovative shrimp-rice model.