Shrimp farming model applying IoT technology and artificial intelligence

The application of high technology in agricultural production in general and aquaculture in particular has become an inevitable trend today. Many localities, including Thua Thien Hue, are having policies to support and develop forms of aquaculture applying high technology, creating a closed-loop farming cycle, contributing to improving economic efficiency, limiting environmental pollution and diseases.

Among the high technologies applied to aquaculture, automatic environmental monitoring and management technology in aquaculture areas is one of the directions that is focused on research and development. However, the initial investment cost for the technology is quite large, making aquaculture households hesitant to invest.

With the aim of supporting aquaculture farmers in applying technology to monitor and manage the farming environment automatically, in 2023, from the career budget, the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center implemented the model "Testing smart shrimp ponds applying IoT technology and artificial intelligence in automatic monitoring and interaction". The model was implemented on a scale of 0.3 hectares in Dien Huong commune (Phong Dien district), the implementation period was from June to December 2023.

To implement this model, the Agricultural Extension Center supports households to implement a system of control cabinets for devices + power supply cabinets (IP67), an ORP sensor reader + ORP measuring sensor, a pH, oxygen sensor reader + pH, oxygen measuring sensor; a 4G service sim (one year); a software system connecting to the center (App, Gatewa...).

The households selected to implement the model will match the funding to purchase sensor cleaning equipment and pay for transportation, installation, and user training. The automatic monitoring system has been installed and handed over for use on August 28, 2023. The shrimp breed, feed, and chemicals to implement this high-tech shrimp farming model will be 100% matched by the people themselves.

Mr. Hoang Xuan Thanh, Provincial Agricultural Extension Center informed that after 6 months of implementing the model, the automatic monitoring system has been completely installed and operated effectively. This system helps to automatically monitor environmental indicators such as: DO (dissolved oxygen), pH, t0, ORP (oxidation-reduction index) of the pond. The monitoring indicators can be monitored via the website on the computer and on the phone application, helping farmers to conveniently manage environmental factors remotely. From there, it is possible to detect early adverse changes in environmental factors and take timely corrective measures to help farmed shrimp grow and develop well. The results of whiteleg shrimp farming, survival rate 65%, average weight 50 shrimp/kg, output 3,900kg, average yield estimated at 13 tons/ha, meeting and exceeding the requirements of the model.

To develop and replicate the model, in the coming time, it is necessary to continue upgrading the application features to be able to warn and make timely adjustments when environmental factors exceed the threshold, increase monitoring indicators, especially indicators of toxic gases. At the same time, continue to have support policies for farmers who need to develop automatic monitoring systems applying IoT technology and artificial intelligence in automatic monitoring and interaction. Households implementing the model need to be more active in investing and mobilizing resources to apply high technology to aquaculture to meet new requirements.

Article and photos: Thanh Xuan