In Vietnam’s Ben Tre Province, a revolution is underway in its shrimp ponds. The province has seen strides in high-tech brackish water shrimp farming, following a policy aimed at developing its eastern coastal areas. With aquaculture identified as a key sector, local authorities are pushing for innovation to fully exploit the region’s maritime potential.

A resolution at the 11th Party Committee Congress (2020-25) called for tapping into the province’s coastal resources, including shrimp farming, tourism, and power. Three districts—Ba Tri, Thanh Phu, and Binh Dai—have emerged as key players in the high-tech shrimp farming push, leveraging their proximity to the coast to develop more efficient and profitable practices.

Shrimp by the Numbers

Ben Tre currently dedicates 36,300 hectares to shrimp farming, representing 76% of its aquaculture area. In just three years, 3,509 hectares have been converted to high-tech models. This new approach is proving fruitful, yielding 50,000 tonnes of shrimp annually—half the province’s total shrimp production.

Local farmers like Le Van Sam have embraced these methods. Operating 45 hectares of shrimp ponds in Thanh Phu District, he harvests between 500 and 700 tonnes of shrimp per year, earning an estimated VND 40 billion (USD 1.6 million). High-tech farming, he notes, offers far higher returns than traditional techniques, particularly when shrimp prices are strong.

Technology and Sustainability

The shift to high-tech farming involves more than just equipment. According to Huynh Van Cung, head of the province’s fisheries sub-department, the new models rely on advanced breeding techniques, such as maintaining a density of at least 200 shrimp per cubic meter, and using waste treatment systems to keep the ponds clean. These systems also minimize water replacement, reducing disease risks.

The results speak for themselves. High-tech shrimp farms can yield up to 70 tonnes per hectare annually, and shrimp can be bred year-round, making the method increasingly popular.

Infrastructure Investments

To sustain and expand these operations, Ben Tre is focused on upgrading its infrastructure. Roads, power lines, and irrigation systems are being developed in coastal districts to support aquaculture, particularly high-tech shrimp farming. The province has already established a 90-hectare farm certified by Best Aquaculture Practices and a 96-hectare farm certified by the Global Aquaculture Stewardship Council in Thanh Phu District. A 200-hectare farm is now under development in Binh Dai District, following the same high standards.

Ben Tre plans to have 4,000 hectares of high-tech shrimp farms by 2025, with 1,500 hectares located in Thanh Phu District. Investments in infrastructure are critical to achieving this goal. In Ba Tri District, projects include building 18.48 kilometers of rural roads, installing a 24-kilometer medium-voltage power line, and constructing sluices and bridges to serve aquaculture zones.

Collaborating for Success

Cooperation is another key factor driving the success of Ben Tre’s high-tech shrimp sector. The provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is partnering with shrimp processing companies and consulting units to help farmers meet export standards. This includes working with C.P. Vietnam Corporation to guide farmers through the transition from traditional methods to high-tech farming.

The creation of cooperative groups and supply chain linkages is also gaining traction. For instance, the Thanh Phu High-Tech Shrimp Breeding Cooperative and similar groups are helping farmers access government support and align their practices with modern, sustainable methods.