During the last two years, Tra Vinh farmers have successfully raised crabs and shrimps in the same water areas. This model brings high profit without risk.
According to Tra Vinh Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), in 2009 the province had 35,375 ha (3,000 ha less than 2008) for aquaculture. 18,170 households raised over 1,2 billion Su shrimp in nearly 19,000 ha of water surface (5,000 ha less than 2008). However, 4,400 households with nearly 5,300 ha could not get good results. Meanwhile, 9,200 households succeeded in raising some 35.5 million shrimps and crabs in 10,000 ha especially in districts of Duyen Hai, Chau Thanh and Tra Cu.
In Duyen Hai, shrimp raising area has decreased ever since 2007. In 2009 the area reduced another 2,500 ha, substituted by raising together shrimps and crabs. The combined raising of shrimp and crabs increased from 6,000 ha in 2007 to 9,000 ha in 2008 to 12,000 ha in 2009.
According to farmers, though profit is not high in raising crabs, it is more efficient. The mixed raising costs less and is low risk, because the crab price is stable in the market. The mixed raising is developing fast in communes of Long Khanh, Dong Hai, Hiep Thanh, Truong Long Hoa, which have wide areas along the coast and have suitable salinity for crabs.
Long Khanh commune took the lead in the combined raising of shrimp and crabs. In 2008, over 86 percent of the households suffered losses in raising shrimp. 1,736 households turned to raising crabs together with shrimp in 2,000 ha and got profit of over VND100 million per household. In 2009 the area increased to 2,668 ha with 4 million crabs and 10 million shrimps, while the number of households raising only shrimp reduced from 200 to 4.
The model of mixed raising help farmers get rich. For instance, Mr. Nguyen Van Set in Cai Doi hamlet could get VND100 million a year while spending only VND20 million in species and animal feed. Ma Van Bon and Ha Van Trieu of the same hamlet were also successful with mixed raising.
M.N
Vietnamese
