Billionaire shrimp farmer uses high-tech methods.

After years of extensive shrimp farming with unstable economic returns, Mr. Phuong Thuc in Xuan Tu 1 village (Van Hung commune) decided to research, learn, and boldly switch to a high-tech shrimp farming model, bringing in billions of dong in revenue each year and creating stable jobs for many local workers.

Determination to overcome difficulties

Mr. Phuong Thuc's family started aquaculture in the 1990s, mainly using an improved extensive farming model with species such as tiger shrimp, grouper, and abalone. Initially, the improved extensive farming model was effective thanks to abundant natural seed sources, clean water, and favorable weather, resulting in profits every season; some years saw bumper harvests and high prices, leading to multiplied profits. His family's life improved, their house became more solid, and their children received a good education. However, farming efficiency began to decline as natural seed sources became scarce, the water environment in the farming area became polluted, and diseases spread rapidly. Furthermore, climate change and extreme weather conditions caused frequent disease outbreaks, resulting in many failed and even heavily damaged farming seasons for his family. "There was a time when I thought about giving up the profession. But because I've been involved with shrimp farming my whole life, I kept thinking about how to overcome the difficulties. I thought that if I didn't innovate, I would forever be stuck in the cycle of hardship and poverty," Mr. Thuc shared.

Mr. Phuong Thuc checks the growth of the shrimp.

Unwilling to accept defeat, Mr. Phuong Thuc was determined to find a new direction. From 2019, he proactively participated in aquaculture training courses organized by the local authorities, and also traveled to southern provinces to learn about high-tech shrimp farming models. These trips broadened his knowledge, making him realize that only by applying scientific and technical methods could he achieve sustainable farming and reduce risks. After some research, he decided to invest in converting to a high-tech whiteleg shrimp farming model – a novel approach for farmers in the Van Ninh coastal area at that time. In early 2021, he began renovating all his ponds according to the new approach. Instead of extensive farming as before, he built ponds lined with tarpaulin, installed water fans, aeration machines, and automatic temperature and pH meters. Importantly, he applied the method of drying the pond bottom after each farming season to kill pathogens using sunlight, completely replacing the use of chemicals. "Although high-tech farming is expensive initially, it yields long-term benefits. The farming environment is controlled, the shrimp are healthy, there are fewer diseases, and both productivity and quality are superior," Mr. Thuc said.

Sustainable path

After more than four years of applying the new model, the results have been quite impressive. With an area of ​​about 1.5 hectares, Mr. Thuc raises shrimp three times a year, yielding 60-70 tons of commercial shrimp and generating revenue of 4-5 billion VND. In addition, his model provides stable employment for 10 local workers, with an average income of 10 million VND per person per month. According to Mr. Thuc, the biggest advantage of the high-tech shrimp farming model is the ability to control the farming season, reduce weather-related risks, limit disease outbreaks, and especially protect the environment. During the farming process, he does not use antibiotics or chemicals, but only uses microbial preparations and natural fermentation agents to improve water quality and decompose organic waste. As a result, the farmed shrimp achieve high quality, meeting market demands.

Beyond just production, Mr. Thuc also focuses on value chain linkages. His family is collaborating with cooperatives and businesses to purchase and guarantee product sales, ensuring stable output and avoiding the situation of "bumper harvest, falling prices." At the same time, he actively shares his experience and provides technical support to other shrimp farmers in the area, helping them access new models and develop together. From his many years of experience in the profession, Mr. Phuong Thuc has distilled four important lessons that determine the success of shrimp farming: selecting quality shrimp fry and thoroughly preparing the ponds; strictly managing the water environment; applying science and technology in production; and linking with cooperatives and businesses to ensure stable output and avoid dependence on middlemen. "Farmers now cannot rely on old experiences; they must learn and apply advanced techniques to achieve clean and sustainable agriculture ," Mr. Thuc said.

Currently, Mr. Thuc is coordinating with relevant authorities to register his products for VietGAP certification, aiming to build a brand of clean shrimp. At the same time, he hopes to access more preferential loan programs and technology transfer to expand his production scale. Mr. Thuc expressed: “The success of the high-tech shrimp farming model has not only helped my family overcome difficulties and rise from the traditional occupation of our homeland, but also created jobs and increased income for many laborers in the village. I hope that more households will boldly innovate and together build a modern and sustainable local agriculture.”

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Phai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Hung commune, said that Mr. Phuong Thuc's high-tech shrimp farming model is a prime example of the spirit of daring to think, daring to act, and daring to innovate. Mr. Thuc's success is proof of the dynamism and creativity of farmers in the era of integration and digital transformation. Not only is he a successful producer and businessman, but Mr. Thuc is also an inspiration to many young farmers to dare to break free from conventional methods and apply science and technology to get rich right in their hometown. Mr. Phuong Thuc's achievements not only benefit his family but also make a practical contribution to the "Excellent Farmers in Production and Business" movement in Van Hung commune. His model aligns with the State's policy on developing "green, clean, digital, and innovative agriculture," aiming for sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. Therefore, in the coming time, the locality will create conditions and encourage and support local farmers to replicate the high-tech shrimp farming model as well as other advanced agricultural models.

VAN GIANG

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/kinh-te/202511/ty-phunuoi-tom-cong-nghe-cao-d2c5b8d/