Acceptance of shrimp farming model using Biofloc technology

Farmers' association delegates visit a model of shrimp farming using nursery beds before releasing them into ponds. Photo: Nguyen Hai

Biofloc technology is a form of using "a collection of organic matter suspended in water containing algae, protozoa, microorganisms... bonded together by biological glue). Biofloc has high nutritional content, becoming food for many types of aquatic animals. When shrimp are sick, the use of medicine is limited and biological products and probiotics are mainly used for treatment.

Shrimp farming using biofloc technology was first tested in Nghe An, using probiotics to treat microorganisms in ponds. Although the initial investment of the model is quite large (having to build a nursery pond, build a cooling net to cover the pond surface on hot days, cover in winter, use a lot of fans, which costs a lot of electricity), in return it is quite safe, sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Mr. Nguyen Van Khanh's family in village 6, Quynh Minh commune, Quynh Luu is the household selected to raise 1,500 m²shrimp using biofloc technology. From April to June, Mr. Khanh released 300,000 white-leg shrimp fry, the total support cost from the program was over 100 million VND.

After nearly 3 months of farming, the average shrimp density reached 45 shrimp/kg. If this growth momentum is maintained, the expected shrimp output will reach about 30 tons/ha. With shrimp size 45 shrimp/kg priced at about 170 - 180,000 VND/kg, the model's revenue reached 700 million VND, after deducting costs, the profit was about 300 million VND.

Harvesting and checking the growth of white-leg shrimp at Mr. Nguyen Van Khanh's model. Photo: Nguyen Hai

At the workshop, in addition to presenting the advantages and superiority of the process of raising white-leg shrimp using biofloc technology, representatives of pond owners and managers warned about some difficulties and challenges when raising this shrimp so that pond owners can choose the method of raising and stocking the shrimp.

On this occasion, Nghe An Agricultural Extension Center also conducted an initial inspection and acceptance of the shrimp farming model of Mr. Ho Si Tai, Hamlet 12, Dien Trung (Dien Chau), which is the second model following the biofloc process. The inspection showed that up to now, although 80% of the shrimp farming area in Dien Trung has had a bad harvest, Mr. Tai's biofloc shrimp farming model is developing well.