Material shortage cripples shrimp processing factories

PIllustrative image. (Photo: VNA)

Ca Mau (VNA) – Shrimp-processing factories in the southernmost province of Ca Mau have been running well below their design capacity because of a shortage of raw materials, according to the Ca Mau Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (CASEP).

According to Ngo Thanh Linh, General Secretary of the CASEP, the current raw shrimp supply just meets 42 percent of the factories’ combined design capacity.

According to industry experts, prolonged drought and the high salinity in local water have had adverse impact on the growth of shrimp, resulting in the reduction both in shrimp-farming area and output of shrimp.

“Ca Mau currently has 9,700 hectares of industrial shrimp farming but only 3,000 hectares are being used,” said Le Van Su, Director of the Ca Mau Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Cai Nuoc, Thoi Binh, U Minh districts and Ca Mau city witnessed the greatest decline in shrimp output.

Doan Van Chinh, Deputy Head of the Cai Nuoc District’s Division of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the district’s shrimp-farming area continued diminishing despite the increasing price of shrimp on the market.

In Dam Doi District, the Division of Agriculture and Rural Development reported that over 1,600 hectares of extensive shrimp farming and more than 50 hectares of industrial shrimp farming have been damaged by scorching weather.

To minimise risks of shrimp dying, Dam Doi District’s agricultural authorities have guided farmers in preventing diseases, improving water in ponds and the quality of breeding shrimp and food.

The province’s agricultural sector advised farmers to temporarily suspend releasing shrimp fry because of high risk.-VNA