Extreme weather, Nghe An farmers harvest young shrimp to recover capital

Prolonged hot weather interspersed with unseasonal rains has caused the pond environment to fluctuate erratically, causing many shrimp farms in Nghe An to become sick and die early. With no other choice, farmers are forced to harvest mid-season, when the shrimp have not yet reached commercial weight, hoping to recoup some of the capital they have invested.

In the shrimp farming area of Quynh Mai commune, most people still raise shrimp in tarpaulin-lined ponds using semi-industrial methods. Photo: TP

In recent shrimp crops, due to extreme weather, shrimp diseases have occurred, leading to large shrimp deaths. Photo: TP

Through inspection, people discovered signs of disease, many shrimp ponds were dead and shrimp were growing poorly. Photo: TP

Many households have to harvest 1-2 months ahead of schedule when the shrimp are not yet at the right weight to recover capital and limit damage. Photo: TP

The shrimp batches pulled up were small in size, only reaching 200 - 250 shrimp/kg, less than half of the standard weight. Photo: TP

Because the shrimp are not of sufficient weight, the selling price is quite low, only 60,000 VND/kg, less than 1/3 of the price of standard shrimp. Photo: TP

Mr. Ho Van Lanh, a shrimp farmer in Quynh Mai commune, said: "Harvesting young shrimp not only reduces the weight but also the selling price is low, so the pond owner suffers losses. In total, each pond (0.5ha) loses about 20 million VND. Photo: TP

Traders buy shrimp right at the pond and sell them at traditional markets. Photo: TP

After harvesting, people urgently treat the pond bottom and clean the tarpaulin system and lake to avoid spreading pathogens to the next crop. Photo: TP

The step of sprinkling lime for disinfection is an important step in the pond renovation process. Many households take advantage of the hot sun to “dry the pond”, waiting for favorable weather to restock the fish. Photo: TP

For areas that have not been harvested, farmers have increased cover and protection of shrimp farms in extreme weather conditions. Photo: TP

At the same time, supplement minerals for shrimp, operate the aeration system for shrimp to grow and develop well. Photo: TP

Source: https://baonghean.vn/thoi-tiet-cuc-doan-nong-dan-nghe-an-thu-hoach-tom-non-go-von-10301868.html