Agribank supports crab farmers in Nam Can, Ca Mau

In recent years, implementing the policy of restructuring the agricultural sector, many localities in the Mekong Delta have boldly transformed production and strongly developed aquaculture. Shrimp, crabs, etc. have become sustainable livelihoods, contributing to increasing farmers' income. Accompanying people on this journey, Agribank has always played a pioneering role in providing credit and promptly supporting capital for production.

Nam Can Crab - a specialty under the forest canopy

Ca Mau is known as the "capital of shrimp and crab" of the country with many diverse farming models. Besides super-intensive shrimp farming using high technology, the ecological shrimp farming model under the forest canopy is affirming its sustainable advantages.

Located at the end of the country, Nam Can (Ca Mau) is not only known for its vast mangrove forests and crisscrossing rivers, but is also famous for its crab farming - a specialty that has created the brand of this mangrove forest land.

Agribank officials visit the crab farming model of Mr. Tran Van Ruy's family (second from left) in Dat Moi commune, Ca Mau province.

In Nam Can, you can see crab farms everywhere. The whole district has about 25,000 hectares of crab farms, mainly in the form of extensive ecological farming, taking advantage of water resources and natural food in shrimp farms, under the forest canopy.

The Nam Can crab has long been famous as the "king of crabs" of the West, because of its firm meat, sweet taste, thin shell, and rich red fat. In 2021, Nam Can - Ca Mau crab was honored in the Top 100 Vietnamese specialties.

Nam Can Crab - Ca Mau is honored in the Top 100 Vietnamese specialties.

Sitting on a small boat across the Cua Lon River, we came to the crab and shrimp farm of Mr. Tran Van Ruy in Dat Moi Commune, Ca Mau Province. This simple man has been involved in crab farming for more than ten years and has now become one of the most economically efficient households in the area.

With the advantage of the farming area located next to the Cua Lon River, with two high tides every day, the water source is clean, very favorable for aquaculture. Besides, the stable climate environment is also a good condition to nurture abundant natural food sources, helping the crabs grow quickly and the meat is also more delicious than other places.

Crabs have a migratory habit to reproduce. Alluvial flats are the most suitable place for crabs to reproduce, and mangrove forests are the best place for them to grow. Caring for extensive crab farming under the forest canopy is also very simple. The most important step is the initial selection of the breed, just need to release them into the shrimp pond after 3-4 months to have the first harvest.

According to Mr. Ruy, crabs are raised in shrimp ponds, and after about 3-4 months they can be harvested in batches. “Every month I release the ponds twice, on the 15th and 30th of the lunar month. Y crabs are sold for 300,000 VND/kg, roe crabs for 450,000-500,000 VND/kg, and quad crabs for 200,000 VND/kg. On average, I earn about 40-50 million VND every month, and my life is much more stable than before,” Mr. Ruy said excitedly.

Now, Mr. Ruy's family has expanded the area to nearly 18 hectares, 3 times more than the first day of business. In addition to crabs and shrimps, he also raises chickens and grows vegetables to diversify his income.

Agribank supports crab farmers

Sharing about his business journey, Mr. Ruy confided: "The bank has helped many local people develop shrimp and crab farming. Thanks to the loan from Agribank, I dared to buy more land and expand my farming area. Now my house is stable and my children are studying well, I am really happy."

Mr. Tran Van Ruy is harvesting crabs.

According to Mr. Pham Hoang Han, Deputy Director of Agribank Nam Can Ca Mau Branch, the bank always identifies farmers as the core service target. "It is our joy that people are doing well. Agribank always accompanies and provides timely capital support so that people can feel secure in production, contributing to the development of the local aquaculture industry. Credit officers regularly go to each farm to grasp the situation, share experiences and guide the effective use of capital. With the coordination between the bank and the government, everyone can feel secure in doing business," said Mr. Han.

With 450,000 hectares of aquaculture, Ca Mau is currently the province with the largest mangrove forest and coastal alluvial plain in Vietnam. The provincial government has identified crab farming as a key economic sector, aiming for a GRDP growth target of over 8.5% in 2025 and sustainable development in the coming years. In line with this orientation, Agribank Ca Mau Branch and its affiliated branches are focusing capital resources, ready to meet loan demand when farmers enter the new crop season.

Supporting the development of aquaculture in general and crab farming in Nam Can in particular, not only helps many farming households have conditions for stable economic development, but also contributes to protecting the precious mangrove ecosystem of the southernmost land of the Fatherland.

As the main State-owned commercial bank in the area, over the years, Agribank Nam Can Ca Mau Branch has always provided good capital and financial services, accompanying farmers in implementing agricultural development programs and projects that bring high economic value. Up to now, the total outstanding debt of Agribank Nam Can Ca Mau Branch has reached over 2,000 billion VND, the Branch always devotes a high proportion of investment to the "three agriculture" sector.

MINH KHUONG

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/agribank-tiep-suc-nguoi-nuoi-cua-nam-can-ca-mau-a192455.html