Dang Van Hai, a farmer in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang’s Tan Phu Dong district, has become an example of flexibly adapting to climate change and increased his wealth by successfully applying the alternating shrimp-and-rice farming model.

According to Hai, who resides in Phu Huu village in the coastal Phu Tan commune, locals in the area could previously only cultivate one rice crop each year with unstable production due to salinity in the dry season.

Since 2004, with the support of local agricultural engineers, Hai applied the alternating model across 6 hectares, enabling him to harvest one rice crop and one shrimp crop every year.

At the same time, he prioritised saline-resilient and high-quality rice varieties to cultivate in his farm with appropriate cultivation techniques.

Hai revealed that each year, his family earns up to 350 million VND (16,450 USD) from the model, ultimately yielding a profit of about 200 million VND (9,400 USD).

Nguyen Van Hai, Head of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Development of Tan Phu Dong district, said the new model is suitable and effective in coastal communes like Phu Tan and Phu Dong district.

It is also a prominent and relevant method for adapting to climate change and rising sea level situations facing the province and Tan Phu Dong district in particular, he added.

The official continued, saying that almost all farmers applying the model have been successful, proving the efficiency, stability and profitability of the model.

A co-operative for the alternated shrimp-rice farming model has also been set up in Phu Tan commune, linking together 16 members who own a collective 64 hectares of farming land.

Pioneer farmers like Hai, who have been creative in overcoming disadvantages and promoting the strengths of their hometown, have led the way for poverty alleviation and prosperity in the community.-VNA