In 2013, shrimp production in Ca Mau province performed well thanks to high shrimp price. The price of shrimp in all varieties in 2013 is VND20,000 per kilogram, higher than last year which fetched high profit to local shrimp farmers and processors. Because trade promotion was given priority, Ca Mau shrimp is sold to 80 countries and territories, mainly the US and Japan that imported over 70 per cent of the province’s annual shrimp exports.
However, local shrimp sector faced some hardship such as unfavorable weather conditions, diseases.
In 2013, nearly 10 thousand hectares of shrimp farming area including 1,000 hectares of industrial shrimp farming in the province was damaged by diseases (white spot and Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome).
To help shrimp farmers overcome bottlenecks, local authorities strengthened the link between farmers and processors, cooperation among farmers, producers of seed, feed and veterinary drugs and scientists.
For a shrimp farm, the farmer will contribute 25 per cent of total production cost, processors provide 35 per cent and the rest 40 per cent will come from bank loans.
Shrimp seed producers signed supply contracts with farmers in order to supply good quality shrimp seed to farmers with stable price.
Processors signed contracts with farmers to ensure that they will buy all shrimps produced by farmers. The state supports farmers by investing in infrastructure, water irrigation system, electricity. The state helps farmers control diseases and antibiotic residue, inspect shrimp seed. Competent authorities create favorable conditions for farmers to source seed, feed and materials from producers in stead of middle dealers and sold raw shrimp directly to processors.
The province recommends farmers to expand innovated extensive shrimp farming area and co-cultivated shrimp with other aquatic species to raise productivity. The province set a target of $1.14 billion in seafood exports in 2014.
