Potential for aquaculture development

Can Tho City possesses many advantages for developing aquaculture in a green, clean, and high-tech direction. In the context of small-scale farmers lacking capital and technical expertise, strengthening linkages between farmers and businesses is considered the "key" to forming a sustainable value chain.

Diversification of aquaculture

In recent times, the output of farmed aquatic products in Can Tho City has tended to increase, providing many products for export, helping farmers sell their products at good prices and improve their living standards.

A model for raising sea bass in tanks lined with plastic sheeting in Can Tho City.

In the first three months of 2026, the city's aquaculture area reached 22,102 hectares, a 76% increase compared to the same period last year; the harvested output exceeded 89,000 tons, a 54.74% increase compared to the same period last year, surpassing the plan by 12%. Many households believe that aquaculture significantly increases income compared to rice cultivation or other crops. Particularly in coastal areas, developing brackish water aquaculture helps farmers proactively adapt to climate change and freshwater scarcity.

Mr. Truong Thanh Hoang, residing in Giong Chat hamlet, Lieu Tu commune, who owns 18 hectares of tilapia farms, said: “In recent times, in Lieu Tu commune, farmers have not only raised brackish water shrimp (tiger shrimp, whiteleg shrimp), but also many types of fish such as sea bass and tilapia… to serve domestic consumption and export. Especially in conditions of limited capital and the lack of widespread application of high technology in production, the rotation of different aquatic species helps farmers reduce risks from disease outbreaks.”

Along with key aquaculture species such as pangasius and brackish water shrimp, farmers in Can Tho City also utilize existing ponds, canals, and water surfaces to raise various aquatic species such as tilapia, snakehead fish, red tilapia, perch, white pomfret, silver carp, grass carp, common carp, and catfish. According to Ms. Quach Thi Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Can Tho City, the city has approximately 72km of coastline, an inland, coastal, and marine ecosystem with diverse and abundant resources, and a considerable area for aquaculture. Protecting and developing aquatic resources is a top priority for the city's authorities, creating favorable conditions for aquaculture development. Fishing vessels in the city are constantly being modernized, operating in accordance with regulations, and shifting towards offshore fishing, improving efficiency and reducing pressure on inshore resources.

Focus on supporting farmers.

To maximize the potential and advantages in aquaculture, authorities in Can Tho City have been implementing various activities to support farmers in improving aquaculture efficiency and stabilizing product output. The city's Department of Agriculture, in coordination with relevant localities and units, is promoting the transfer of advanced techniques and processes, helping people apply them to aquaculture to reduce costs, create high-quality and safe products, and meet market demands. They also regularly and continuously update information on weather, water environment monitoring, and warnings about aquaculture diseases to enable farmers to proactively prevent losses.

Many types of farmed aquatic products achieve high productivity and output, proving to be highly economically efficient compared to many other crops and livestock. However, the development of aquaculture still faces many difficulties, being affected by climate change, rising production costs, and unstable prices for many aquatic products. In addition, there is an increase in natural disasters and diseases affecting aquatic products, while the market increasingly demands higher quality, safety, and environmentally friendly, green, and clean production methods.

According to Mr. Johan van den Ban, General Director of De Heus Vietnam and Asia (part of the Royal De Heus Group - Netherlands), surveys of aquaculture areas in Can Tho City show that the city has great potential for aquaculture development. De Heus has three animal feed factories in Can Tho, including two aquaculture feed factories. The company is keen to strengthen connections and cooperation with farmers to form a high-tech supply chain that helps develop production in a green, sustainable, and high-value direction. The company will accompany aquaculture farmers by providing suitable feed and breeding stock at appropriate prices, along with technical solutions to help farmers succeed in their farming, and supporting them in connecting with consumers to ensure stable product outlets.

Text and photos: KHANH TRUNG

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/tiem-nang-phat-trien-nuoi-thuy-san-a203634.html