Raising “jumping” shrimp in rice fields helps many farmers increase their income fivefold
Shrimp–Rice Model Generates Five Times the Value of Fish–Rice Farming
In the final days of the year, on the fields of Residential Group 1 in Quang Trung Ward (Thanh Hoa), Mr. Tran Xuan Hanh is busy inspecting and preparing to harvest a batch of giant freshwater prawns. Beneath the water in rice paddies that have already been harvested, the strong, healthy prawns are the result of a new production model that he hopes will bring a more prosperous Lunar New Year for his family.
The shrimp–rice model delivers high economic efficiency
Since 2013, Quang Trung Commune (now Quang Trung Ward) has implemented land consolidation and developed the fish–rice farming model. However, after a period of application, the economic efficiency fell short of expectations, with low income and limited ability to improve local livelihoods.
Facing this reality, in 2022 the Farmers’ Association of Bim Son Town (prior to the two-level local government reform), in coordination with the Agricultural Extension Center and the Thanh Hoa Provincial Farmers’ Association, piloted a model combining giant freshwater prawn farming with rice cultivation. Initial results showed economic value four to five times higher than the former model.
Mr. Tran Xuan Hanh is inspecting his prawn pond ahead of the harvest season.
Mr. Hanh’s family was among the first to participate in the pilot program, farming on more than 5,300 m². In the first year, he stocked 12,000 juvenile prawns on 0.5 hectares of rice fields and earned a profit of approximately VND 50 million in the very first crop.
“Seeing clear results, my family boldly expanded the scale and linked with other households to operate more systematically,” Mr. Hanh said.
Previously, the fish–rice model generated only about VND 30 million per year. Today, his family sells around 800 kg of giant freshwater prawns annually at an average price of VND 320,000 per kilogram, yielding a net profit of about VND 150 million after costs.
Giant freshwater prawns generate four to five times the economic value of the fish–rice model.
Moving toward VietGAP standards
According to farming households, the market for giant freshwater prawns is currently quite stable. A major advantage of the model is the availability of local feed sources. The main feed consists of tilapia and miscellaneous fish, cooked and mixed with cornmeal, significantly reducing input costs.
Giant freshwater prawn products have been certified under VietGAP standards.
Nearby, Mr. Mai Van Sy (55 years old) farms giant freshwater prawns on an area of 2,000 m², earning nearly VND 100 million in profit each year. He believes that controlling feed sources is the key factor in determining efficiency. His family dedicates 0.5 hectares to tilapia farming; large fish are sold commercially, while smaller and low-value fish are frozen for prawn feed.
“Thanks to feed self-sufficiency, costs are significantly reduced, prawns grow faster, and risks are lower,” Mr. Sy shared.
Prawn farmers must regularly monitor water quality and pH levels, which are critical to prawn survival.
Despite its advantages, the model still faces challenges, such as narrow irrigation canals that do not fully meet water supply and drainage requirements. In addition, prawn seed supply still depends on southern provinces and has yet to be sourced locally.
Based on farmers’ experience, two prawn crops can be raised each year, with the main crop during the summer when prawns grow well thanks to natural food from rice fields. Giant freshwater prawns are bottom feeders, making feed management crucial: overfeeding can cause water pollution, while underfeeding may lead to cannibalism.
The appropriate stocking density is about five prawns per square meter. During the rainy season, farmers must frequently monitor pH levels, maintaining them between 7.5 and 8.5; excess acidity is treated with diluted lime water. During molting periods, close monitoring is required to ensure timely mineral supplementation.
The shrimp–rice model is considered highly symbiotic: prawns consume algae and stir sediment, improving conditions for rice growth; in return, rice fields provide safe shelter during molting and abundant natural food sources.
The model opens up new livelihood opportunities for peri-urban residents.
Currently, Mr. Tran Xuan Hanh serves as Head of the Giant Freshwater Prawn Farming Cooperative Group of Quang Trung Ward, established in 2025 with three members, covering a total farming area of approximately 20,000 m² and an output of nearly three tons per year. Residential Group 1 alone has around 50 hectares of aquaculture land, offering significant potential for expansion.
The cooperative group has achieved VietGAP certification. In the coming period, it plans to expand production, create concentrated output, and participate in supply chains to bring products into supermarkets and large distribution systems.
Ms. Tong Thi Hong Lien, Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Trung Ward Farmers’ Association, stated that after more than four years of implementation, the model has clearly demonstrated its economic effectiveness. “Farmers have mastered the technical processes, which provides a solid foundation for expanding production and developing sustainable agriculture,” she said.
Thanh Hoa Province currently has more than 4,300 hectares of aquaculture water surface, with many areas focusing on giant freshwater prawn farming, notably in Quang Trung Ward. With technical training, environmental management support, and market orientation, the shrimp–rice model is opening a new pathway for farmers in peri-urban areas to increase their income.
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Ngày đăng : 02/02/2026
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