Tra Vinh: forest aquaculture yields positive effects

Illustrative image (Source: VNA)

The breeding of shrimp and other aquatic species in submerged forests in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh in recent years has helped farmers earn stable revenue and localities to restore coastal forests.

According to experts, raising shrimp under forests with improved extensive farming techniques has more advantages than intensive cultivation and helps protect the environment.

Profits from the method could reach up to 100 million VND (about 4,600 USD) per hectare.

Phan Van Huan from Hiep Thanh commune has used half of his six hectares of forest to expand coverage and the rest to farm shrimp and other species. Each year, he makes a profit of 150 million-300 million VND (6,900-9,200 USD).

With 0.7 hectares of water surface covered by forest, Phan Van Canh’s family in Duyen Hai district have earned 70 million VND (3,200 USD) annually.

The model requires less investment, fewer risks and is suitable for farmers who live in coastal areas, said Tran Truong Giang, Head of the agriculture and rural development section of Duyen Hai district.

About 80 percent of the shrimp farmers who have applied improved extensive farming techniques have profited, he added.

Tran Van Tri from the provincial Department of Forest Management said that breeding shrimp in submerged forests has proven to be more sustainable and profitable in comparison with industrial shrimp breeding.

The method has also encouraged farmers to invest in planting new forests, he said.

Statistics showed that from 2010 to 2014, farmers in coastal areas of the province planted 3,200 hectares of forests, increasing the total submerged forest coverage to 7,520 hectares.

Tra Vinh province is currently home to 24,000 hectares of forest along its 65-kilometre coast.-VNA