High-tech shrimp farming billionaire

Determination to overcome difficulties

Mr. Phuong Thuc's family started aquaculture in the 1990s, mainly following the improved extensive farming model with tiger prawns, groupers, and snails. At first, the improved extensive farming model was effective thanks to the abundant natural seed source, clean water environment and favorable weather, so every crop was profitable; there were years with "good harvests, good prices", and profits were many times higher. His family's life was better, the house was solidly built, and his children were well-educated. However, farming efficiency began to decline when natural seed sources were scarce, the water environment in the farming area was polluted, and pathogens spread rapidly. In addition, climate change and extreme weather caused frequent epidemics, and his family experienced many failed farming seasons, even heavy losses. “There was a time when I thought I had to quit my job. But because I have been attached to shrimp all my life, I still struggled to find a solution. I thought that if I did not innovate, I would forever be stuck in hardship and poverty,” Mr. Thuc shared.

Mr. Phuong Thuc checks the growth of shrimp.

Not accepting failure, Mr. Phuong Thuc was determined to find a new direction. Since 2019, he has actively participated in aquaculture training courses organized by the locality, and at the same time, traveled to the southern provinces to learn about the CNC shrimp farming model. Those trips helped him expand his knowledge, realizing that only by applying science and technology can farming be sustainable and reduce risks. After a period of research, he decided to invest in converting to the CNC white-leg shrimp farming model - a new direction for farmers in the Van Ninh sea area at that time. In early 2021, he started to renovate the entire pond in a new direction. Instead of extensive farming as before, he built a tarpaulin-lined pond, installed a water fan system, aerators, automatic temperature and pH meters. In particular, he applied the method of drying the pond bottom after each crop to kill pathogens with sunlight, completely replacing the use of chemicals. “Although CNC farming is costly at first, it is effective in the long run. The farming environment is controlled, the shrimp are healthy, there are few diseases, and the productivity and quality are both superior,” said Mr. Thuc.

Sustainable direction

After more than 4 years of applying the new model, the results are quite impressive. With an area of about 1.5 hectares, each year, Mr. Thuc raises 3 crops, with an output of 60 - 70 tons of commercial shrimp, with a revenue of 4 - 5 billion VND. In addition, his model also creates stable jobs for 10 local workers, with an average income of 10 million VND/person/month. According to Mr. Thuc, the biggest advantage of the CNC shrimp farming model is being proactive with the season, reducing risks due to weather, limiting diseases and especially protecting the environment. During the farming process, he does not use antibiotics or chemicals but only uses microbial products and natural fermentation to improve the water environment and decompose organic waste. Thanks to that, the farmed shrimp is of high quality, meeting market requirements.

Not only stopping at production, Mr. Thuc also focuses on linking the value chain. His family is coordinating with cooperatives and businesses to purchase and consume products to stabilize output, avoiding the situation of "good harvest, low price". At the same time, he also actively shares experiences and provides technical support to other local farming households, helping them access new models and develop together. From many years of experience in the profession, Mr. Phuong Thuc has summarized four important experiences that determine the success of shrimp farmers. These are: choosing quality breeds, carefully renovating ponds; strictly managing the water environment; applying science and technology in production; linking cooperatives and purchasing businesses to ensure stable output, avoiding dependence on traders. "Farmers now cannot follow old experiences, they must learn and apply advanced techniques to be able to do clean and sustainable agriculture ," said Mr. Thuc.

Currently, Mr. Thuc is coordinating with the authorities to register products that meet VietGAP standards, moving towards building a clean shrimp brand. At the same time, he also hopes to access more preferential loan support programs and technology transfer to expand production scale. Mr. Thuc expressed: "The success of the CNC shrimp farming model not only helps my family overcome difficult times, rising from the traditional profession of my hometown, but also creates jobs and increases income for many workers in the village. I hope that there will be more households boldly innovating, together building a modern and sustainable local agriculture."

Mr. Nguyen Phuong Phai - Chairman of Van Hung Commune People's Committee said that Mr. Phuong Thuc's CNC shrimp farming model is a typical example of the spirit of daring to think, daring to do, daring to innovate. Mr. Thuc's success is a testament to the dynamism and creativity of farmers in the period of integration and digital transformation. Not only is he a good producer and businessman, Mr. Thuc is also an inspiration for many young farmers to dare to step out of the beaten path, applying science and technology to get rich right in their hometown. The results achieved by Mr. Phuong Thuc not only bring benefits to his family but also make a practical contribution to the movement "Good farmers in production and business" of Van Hung Commune. His model is in line with the State's policy on developing "green - clean - digital - creative agriculture", towards sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture. Therefore, in the coming time, the locality will create conditions, encourage and support local farmers to replicate the CNC 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/