Aromatic rice and clean shrimp: Ca Mau's sustainable model attracts investment

This innovative approach is not only boosting farmers' incomes but is also attracting international investment, creating export opportunities, and building a global brand for its "aromatic rice and clean shrimp" products.

A natural and sustainable farming approach

The shrimp-rice model in Ca Mau is a prime example of adaptive agriculture, enabling farmers to mitigate the unpredictable risks of climate change while simultaneously elevating the value of their crops. The province, a key player in Vietnam's agricultural sector, has officially designated the model as a strategic priority in its climate change adaptation efforts under Government Resolution 09. By integrating shrimp and rice farming, the model fosters a self-sustaining ecosystem that reduces the need for chemicals and fertilizers, resulting in high-quality, organic products that meet stringent international standards.

With approximately 93,000 hectares dedicated to this practice, Ca Mau farmers have creatively adapted their methods, rotating shrimp farming in the dry season with rice cultivation during the rainy season. This seasonal rotation not only enhances soil quality but also significantly reduces the risk of disease outbreaks, boosting yields and profitability. Hundreds of hectares are already certified under international standards such as BAP, ASC, and GlobalGAP, laying a strong foundation for a clean and high-quality raw material supply chain.

For example, Nguyen Van Chien, a local farmer with over seven years of experience, earns an annual income of around 300 million VND (approximately USD 12,000) from his four-hectare plot. "After the shrimp harvest, the soil is enriched with natural waste, so I barely need to use fertilizer for the rice," he explained. "The remaining rice straw then decomposes and becomes a natural food source for the next shrimp crop. This continuous cycle lowers costs and increases my earnings from the same plot of land”.

Local authorities are proactively supporting this model's expansion. In communes like Vinh Phoc, where an estimated 8,500 hectares are planned for shrimp-rice cultivation this year, officials are promoting organic production and providing extensive training programs on ecological and smart farming techniques. Simultaneously, infrastructure, such as irrigation canals, is being upgraded to facilitate production.

To ensure consistency and quality, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau has issued a farming calendar for the 2025-2026 season, advising farmers to plant certified, high-yield, and salt-tolerant rice varieties like ST24, ST25, and BL9.

According to Pham Van Muoi, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau, the shrimp-rice model is an intelligent production method that not only increases farmers' income but also creates a favorable environment for shrimp farming.

"To further increase its value, the province is focusing on developing organic, ecological production and building a strong brand identity for our products", he said. 

Attracting investment and building a global brand

Ca Mau is actively seeking to expand market access for its shrimp and rice products, inviting domestic and foreign investors to participate in the value chain.

The province is offering favorable policies and infrastructure support, along with marketing assistance through trade fairs, exhibitions, and digital platforms.

This initiative provides a significant opportunity for businesses to establish a sustainable and internationally certified supply base, capitalizing on the high demand for clean and natural products.

The shrimp-rice model stands as a testament to Ca Mau's commitment to sustainable agriculture. On its more than 93,000 hectares, farmers have innovated by rotating between shrimp and rice, and even between crab, green prawns, and white-leg shrimp.

This approach has not only created an ecological balance and reduced disease but has also yielded impressive economic returns, with each hectare producing an average of 5-6 tons of rice and 300-400 kilograms of shrimp. By developing its organic and ecological farming sectors and actively courting investment, Ca Mau is solidifying its position as a national leader in sustainable agriculture and is poised to become an appealing destination for strategic investors in this field.