• Agriculture plays a "pillar" role in economic growth
  • Identify agriculture as the focus of local economic development
  • Large-scale agricultural production planning
  • Digital agriculture creates space for sustainable development

In the economic structure, aquaculture continues to be identified as a key industry, in which shrimp plays a key role. In recent years, the area of ​​high-tech shrimp farming in the province has been constantly expanding. To date, Ca Mau has nearly 40,000 hectares of internationally certified shrimp farming, with about 8,000 households participating, with an estimated annual output of 8,000-10,000 tons.

Over the past years, Mr. Bui Chi Thuong has successfully implemented a biosafety shrimp farming model, maintaining 3 crops per year, with an output of about 4.5 tons/crop.

Many outstanding models have been replicated such as: super-intensive shrimp farming using biological products, shrimp farming according to the Biofloc process, Semi-Biofloc with tarpaulin ponds, or the zero-waste recirculation farming model. Currently, seafood processing and exporting enterprises have linked up with cooperatives and cooperative groups to form 23 production chains that meet international standards, VietGAP... and at the same time purchase products for farmers.

Mr. Bui Chi Thuong, Tan Hoa hamlet, Luong The Tran commune, shared: “Realizing that the shrimp farming environment is increasingly degrading, I switched to a biosafety, environmentally friendly production model, minimizing chemicals, increasing the area of ​​settling ponds, and reducing the stocking density. Thanks to that, over the past 4 years, I have maintained 3 crops/year, with beautiful, shiny shrimp, some reaching a size of 17 shrimp/kg, with a high output of about 4.5 tons/crop. Currently, many businesses have expressed their interest in cooperating to consume my clean shrimp products for export.”

Not only focusing on aquaculture, Ca Mau's agricultural sector also promotes the application of high technology in rice production. The rate of mechanization is increasingly high: land preparation and water pumping reaches 100%; spraying and sowing 95%; harvesting about 80%. In particular, in implementing the Project "Sustainable development of 1 million hectares of high-quality, low-emission rice cultivation associated with green growth in the Mekong Delta", the province has deployed 170 hectares of pilot projects, initially showing efficiency in both economy and environment.

The model of growing melons in greenhouses, applying Israeli drip irrigation technology, brings high efficiency on Ca Mau land.

Mr. Pham Van Muoi, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, said that the province has registered to deploy this model on about 60,000 hectares, of which the freshwater area is about 45,000 hectares, the rest is in the shrimp-rice area. The model applies cluster sowing technology, burying fertilizer, helping to reduce 50-60% of seeds, 30% of fertilizer and pesticides; CO₂ emissions are reduced by 37% compared to conventional farming, with an added value of about 4 million VND/ha. The entire rice output is contracted by enterprises at a price 200-300 VND/kg higher than the market price.

At the same time, the province pays special attention to building agricultural product brands. Through cooperative models, cooperative groups and the OCOP Program, many products have been upgraded, enhancing their value and position in the market. Mr. Nguyen Van Tiep, Director of Ong Muon Agricultural and Aquatic Service Cooperative, said: “Since the establishment of the cooperative, production and consumption have been more favorable. We focus on producing clean agricultural products, ensuring prestige. Up to now, Ong Muon Clean Rice products have achieved 4-star OCOP standards, and are trusted and chosen by consumers in and outside the province.”

Many farmers in the province have also boldly applied scientific and technological advances to produce clean and safe agricultural products. Notably, melons are grown in greenhouses and net houses combined with Israeli drip irrigation technology. These models help control the environment, limit pests and diseases, optimize water resources, thereby improving economic efficiency and the quality of agricultural products.

Ong Muon Agricultural and Aquatic Service Cooperative focuses on producing clean agricultural products; Ong Muon Clean Rice products meet 4-star OCOP standards.

With a large development potential, Ca Mau's agricultural sector continues to innovate its growth model, improve productivity and competitiveness. The target by 2025 is that the GRDP growth rate of Region I (agriculture, forestry and fishery) will reach 5.5%, and in the last 6 months of the year, it will strive for 5.4% or more, contributing to the province's growth target of 8% or more.

Mr. Pham Van Muoi emphasized: “The province is urgently re-planning high-tech farming areas, including shrimp farming of about 10,000 hectares, shrimp-rice area of ​​115,000 hectares; at the same time, planning ecological shrimp farming areas in coastal communes... This will be an important driving force contributing to the overall growth of the province.”

From super-intensive shrimp farming models, smart rice cultivation to the application of modern technology in cultivation, Ca Mau is affirming a strong transformation of the agricultural sector. The achievements not only contribute to improving people's lives but also gradually realize the goal of building a modern, sustainable agriculture that adapts to climate change, bringing Ca Mau far on the domestic and international agricultural map.

Dream of the Ordinary

Source: https://baocamau.vn/thuc-day-tang-truong-tu-nong-nghiep-cong-nghe-cao-a122052.html