Shrimp farms in Mien Thu are in season.

As saltwater intrusion begins, shrimp farmers in the coastal communes of the Miệt Thứ region are busy measuring salinity levels, renovating ponds, ordering shrimp fry, and preparing supplies for the new farming season.

Observations in coastal communes show that saltwater intrusion is quite evident. In communes such as Tay Yen and Dong Thai, salinity levels range from 12-15‰; in An Bien commune, salinity is around 4-6‰, considered the ideal "point" for farmers to draw water to prepare shrimp ponds. Along the inland canals, pumps hum, embankments are reinforced, and pond bottoms are dredged, creating a scene of bustling activity at the beginning of the season.

Mr. Phan Van Giac, residing in An Bien commune, applies biological products to his shrimp pond before stocking it with shrimp fry. Photo: AN LAM

After harvesting the rice crop, many households proactively begin the process of renovating their ponds. They not only work faster but also more thoroughly than in previous years, including: soaking the ponds, eliminating weeds, and treating the pond bottom with microorganisms instead of harsh chemicals… in order to minimize disease and risks right from the start of the season. The atmosphere of preparation is therefore both bustling and cautious.

Mr. Nguyen Van Han, residing in Dong Thai commune, said: “After harvesting the rice crop, my family started preparing the ponds to wait for the saltwater intrusion. According to the lunar calendar, the saltwater intrusion is earlier this year than last year. The salinity is between 4-6‰, which is very suitable for raising tiger prawns and freshwater prawns, so I'm taking advantage of the opportunity to renovate the ponds to release shrimp early and take advantage of the early season prices.” For many farmers, welcoming the saltwater intrusion at the right time not only helps the shrimp adapt well but also opens up opportunities for high selling prices right from the start of the season.

Compared to the same period in 2025, the most noticeable change is the increased focus on safe and sustainable shrimp farming. Many households are limiting the use of chemicals, prioritizing probiotics, and choosing mixed farming models to increase efficiency on the same area. Mr. Danh Mẫm, residing in An Biên commune, happily said: “Now, saltwater is a resource for the people. The arrival of saltwater is a great joy; thanks to shrimp farming, my family has become more prosperous. In my opinion, it's best to raise shrimp in nursery ponds first to acclimate them to the environment, choose good, disease-free fry, and combine tiger shrimp with freshwater prawns and crabs to increase income.”

In Xeo Duoc 3 hamlet, An Bien commune, Mr. Danh Tuoi has just finished harvesting 31 acres of rice. Alongside rice cultivation, he has been preparing a ^300m² pond for raising freshwater prawns for nearly two months. “After the water level stabilizes, I soak the pond, drain the water, and spread lime before releasing the prawns into the rice paddies. I monitor the salinity daily; as soon as it rises, I pump water immediately,” Mr. Tuoi said. With his diversified farming model of freshwater prawns, tiger prawns, whiteleg prawns, and crabs, his family earns an average profit of 150 million VND per year.

Mr. Nguyen Van Viet, a resident of An Bien commune and owner of a Kobe dredging machine, wiped his sweat and said: "These past few days, my schedule has been packed. Every day, my six machines are used to dredge for dozens of households. Some days, I work from dawn until late at night to ensure that people can get saltwater in time to improve their ponds and don't miss the opportunity to stock their fish."

Along with the ongoing reinforcement of ponds, the shrimp seed market is also more vibrant at the beginning of the year. Many businesses and seed production facilities are organizing seminars and meetings with farmers to introduce seed sources and provide technical support. Many households are choosing Moana tiger shrimp seeds, a variety developed from disease-free genetic sources, with the ability to grow quickly, good resistance, and adapt to various environmental conditions, avoiding the purchase of seeds of unknown origin.

However, shrimp farmers also face considerable difficulties as the prices of shrimp fry and supplies have increased at the beginning of the season. Currently, the price of Moana tiger shrimp ranges from 168 to 180 VND/shrimp, an increase of 10-15 VND/shrimp compared to last year. The price of lime for pond improvement has also increased by about 5,000 VND/bag, while the quality is inconsistent, driving up input costs.

As climate change increasingly impacts agricultural production, proactively managing salinity and adapting flexibly to natural conditions has become a valuable lesson for farmers in the Miệt Thứ region. When saltwater arrives at the right time, coupled with thorough preparation from the beginning of the season, the ponds promise a promising shrimp harvest, further motivating farmers to confidently stay on their land and continue their profession.

AN LAM

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/vuong-tom-miet-thu-vao-vu-a475834.html