Economy

Extreme weather forces farmers in Nghe An to harvest young shrimp to recoup their losses.

Thanh Phuc • July 9, 2025 06:38

Prolonged hot weather interspersed with unseasonal rains has caused erratic fluctuations in the pond environment, leading to widespread disease and premature shrimp mortality in Nghe An province. With no other option, farmers are forced to harvest mid-season, before the shrimp reach marketable weight, hoping to recoup some of their invested capital.

ao lót — In the shrimp farming area of Quynh Mai commune, most people still raise shrimp in ponds lined with tarpaulin, using a semi-industrial method. Photo: TP

tôm chết — Recent shrimp farming seasons have seen significant mortality rates due to extreme weather conditions and shrimp diseases. (Photo: TP)

Upon inspection, residents discovered signs of disease, with many ponds containing scattered dead shrimp and poor shrimp growth. (Photo: TP)

Many households have to harvest their shrimp 1-2 months earlier than planned, before they reach sufficient weight, in order to recoup their investment and minimize losses. (Photo: TP)

The shrimp caught were small, only 200-250 shrimp per kilogram, less than half the standard weight. Photo: TP

Because the shrimp haven't reached the required weight, the selling price is quite low, only 60,000 VND/kg, less than one-third the price of standard-sized shrimp. Photo: TP

kéo 2 — Mr. Ho Van Lanh, a shrimp farmer in Quynh Mai commune, said: “Harvesting young shrimp not only results in weight loss but also low selling prices, causing losses for pond owners. On average, each pond (0.5ha) results in a loss of about 20 million VND.” (Photo: TP)

xe mua — Traders buy shrimp directly from the ponds and transport them to local markets for sale. Photo: TP

vệ sinh — After harvesting, people are urgently treating the pond bottoms and cleaning the pond linings and structures to prevent the spread of disease to the next crop. Photo: TP

The process of spreading lime for disinfection is a crucial step in pond renovation. Many households take advantage of the intense heat to "dry out their ponds," waiting for favorable weather before restocking. Photo: TP

che chắn — For areas yet to be harvested, farmers are reinforcing shelters to protect their shrimp farms from extreme weather conditions. (Photo: TP)

cho ăn — Simultaneously, supplement the shrimp with minerals and operate the aeration system to ensure optimal growth and development. Photo: TP

Thanh Phuc