‘Raise one, profit ten’ thanks to special tips on disease prevention for softshell turtles

26 years raising softshell turtles

For 26 years, Tran Hong Quan from Truong Hiep hamlet, Truong Long Tay commune (Can Tho city), has been considered a “master” of the trade. Not only was he a pioneer in introducing Chinese softshell turtles to many localities in the Mekong Delta, but he also possesses the know-how in disease prevention and treatment. Such depth of knowledge helps him consistently maintain a success rate of over 80% after each crop, a figure not easily achieved by most farmers.

remained committed to its growth. Photo: Kim Anh.

In 1999, during a sea voyage in Taiwan, Quan happened to taste softshell turtle meat. “The flavor was strangely delicious, so I decided to bring some back to try farming,” he said. At first, he only released 2,000 hatchlings into a single pond. Now, his farm spans nearly 3 ha, divided into 16 ponds, with a population ranging from 8,000 to 20,000 softshell turtles. Among them, 12 ponds are for meat production and 4 for breeding stock.

Quan considers building solid facilities the first step toward stable, long-term farming. His ponds range from 400m² to 1,500m² in size, 80 - 90cm in depth, and are reinforced with concrete to prevent the softshell turtles from escaping.

“The average investment to build a standard 500m² pond is around VND 45 million. The water should be maintained at slightly brackish levels of approximately 0.1‰, which is the ideal condition for the softshell turtles to stay healthy with minimal risk of disease outbreaks,” said Quan.

To simulate a natural habitat, he ties bundles of melaleuca branches and submerges them 20cm below the surface, creating shelters that help softshell turtles reduce stress, improve adaptability, and lower disease risks.

In addition to facilities, feed and care are equally critical. Quan uses a combination of pellets, marine fish, and golden apple snails to feed the turtles twice a day. As a result, they grow quickly, with 50 - 60% of the batch reaching top grade after 24 months.

The key to Quan’s success lies in disease prevention and treatment. “Softshell turtles often suffer from diseases such as Saprolegnia, intestinal parasites, or environmental shock after rain. Warning signs include lethargy, abnormal surfacing, loss of appetite, or ulcerations on the neck, head, and legs,” he said.

Accordingly, farmers must immediately separate the affected softshell turtles for treatment lasting 15 -20 days while disinfecting the pond with lime. This method allows Quan’s farms to keep losses at 15 - 20%, sometimes under 5% when strict management measures are applied.

The market for softshell turtles is divided into seven size categories with different prices. Since early September 2025, prices have remained high. Top-grade turtles (over 1.5kg) are bought directly at the pond by traders and companies for VND 260,000 per kg. Smaller ones (0.5 - 0.7kg) fetch VND 140,000 per kg. On average, prices range from VND 170,000 to 180,000 per kg. As for top-grade softshell turtles, farmers can profit from VND 70,000 to 90,000 per kg.

Not putting all eggs in one basket

While many farmers choose to focus on a single species, Quan chooses to come up with a diversified model to reduce risks and boost efficiency. Alongside softshell turtle farming, he has planted 140 durian trees (6 - 7 years old) on the pond banks and cultivates over 1 ha of rice.

The highlight of his model is a closed-loop system that integrates aquaculture with farming. Wastewater from the ponds is reused to irrigate the durians and rice. Rich in organic matter, this water nourishes the crops while cutting fertilizer costs.

However, integration comes with challenges. “Combining aquaculture and farming can easily create conflicts. Durian requires pest and fungus control, but I prioritize biological products. Since turtle pond water contains high organic loads, I treat it with probiotics before using it in the orchard. Everything must be calculated carefully to protect the environment and prevent disease outbreaks in the ponds,” Quan said.

This combined model balances income streams, allowing one sector to offset risks in another. If softshell turtle prices drop, durians or rice provide him with sources of backup income. Conversely, when crops fail, softshell turtles become the main source of revenue. “If you put all your eggs in one basket, it’s too easy to fail. Diversifying income is the only way to stay strong,” he shared.

Thanks to the unique approach in farming, Quan maintains high profits throughout the years. On average, softshell turtle farming alone brings in over VND 1 billion annually, while rice and durians add another VND 200 - 300 million. This not only stabilizes his family’s finances but also proves the effectiveness of circular agriculture.

Beyond personal success, Quan regularly shares his knowledge and techniques with fellow farmers. Many households have followed his guidance, escaped poverty, and achieved prosperity. For his dedication, Quan was honored as an Outstanding Vietnamese Farmer in 2025.