Rice-shrimps farming: a nature-based solution in Mekong River Delta

Written by Phuc le Dac, Cooperative advisor Vietnam

In this mid-October, the Agriterra team in Vietnam had the opportunity to visit the Chau Hung Rice-Shrimp Cooperative located in the Chau Thanh district of Tra Vinh province. During this visit, they were impressed by the innovative and sustainable farming practices employed by the local farmers. This is considered a wonderful nature-based farming for rice and shrimps.

Long Hoa Isle area experiences 6 months of saltwater and 6 months of freshwater every year. The farmers have found a solution to adapt to these natural conditions by farming shrimp around rice fields. The rice-shrimp farming involves raising shrimp all year round, while rice can only be grown once during the period when freshwater is available (rainy season). The farmers' primary source of income is from selling aquaculture, mainly giant freshwater shrimp, which can thrive in both freshwater and salty water conditions. Additionally, cultivating rice intercropped with shrimp farming has a positive impact on water treatment. Most of the organic waste from shrimp farming is used as a natural fertilizer for rice, making it an environmentally friendly process. The cultivation of rice in shrimp fields is done without tilling, using chemical fertilizers, or pesticides, as the use of these chemicals would harm the shrimp.

Farmers in this area have a unique method of pest control during the rice growing season. By taking advantage of the natural high and low of the tide, they open culverts that connect to natural canals in the area. This causes the water level to rise and flood the entire rice field for 1-2 hours, which helps kill insects naturally. Then The water recedes at low tide returning the rice field to the normal. Additionally, the rising water level provides more food for the fish in the fields, they can find insects as a natural food source.

Rice-shrimp farming is a type of cultivation that only allows for the production of one rice crop. However, the organic rice that is produced through this method has a significantly higher value compared to conventional rice of the same type. One of the key benefits of rice-shrimp farming is that farmers do not need to invest in chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which not only reduces costs but also contributes to a higher profit margin. In contrast, traditional rice cultivation often involves the cultivation of three crops per year, but it requires quite a lot of expenses for fertilizers and pesticides.

Furthermore, the shrimp sales generate substantial profits. Many farmers prefer extensive rice-shrimp farming due to its relatively low risk. This type of farming is well-suited for low-lying areas close to the river mouth and the sea, which experience significant saltwater intrusion. Rice-shrimp farming is recognized as a sustainable agricultural model that exhibits great resilience to climate change.

Chau Hung Cooperative was established in 2020 by a group of rice-shrimp farming farmers. Since the beginning of 2022, Chau Hung has become a new client of Agriterra. Currently, Chau Hung aims to become a leading cooperative in responding to climate change, with their main product being organic rice called "Hạt Ngọc Châu Long". However, this type of rice faces competition from conventional rice varieties and is not well-known. As a result, only 60% of the processed rice comes from Chau Hung's own production, while the remaining 40% paddy of members is sold to large businesses in the area. Agriterra will work closely with the cooperative to improve their business and build their trademark, making their special rice stand out in the market.