Reducing costs per kilogram of shrimp: crucial solution for Vietnamese shrimp farmers

The challenge facing Vietnam's shrimp industry stems from various factors, which can be primarily attributed to the increasingly difficult aquaculture environment characterized by complex disease outbreaks and disruptions in the supply of raw materials. These factors have raised the production costs per kilogram of shrimp significantly, resulting in a notable decline in the competitive position of Vietnamese shrimp in the international market.

Reducing the production cost per kilogram of shrimp: A crucial solution for farmers

At the Vietnam Shrimp Forum organized in Bac Lieu province in June 2023, Mr. Le Van Quang, Chairman of Minh Phu Seafood Corporation, expressed concerns regarding the increasing production costs for shrimp farmers. He highlighted that high production costs combined with low purchase prices can result in farmers abandoning the industry.

During the seminar on "Development towards a sustainable shrimp industry" organized in Ho Chi Minh City, Mr. Quang emphasized the need to lower the cost of shrimp production to be comparable with that of India and Ecuador. He stressed that the Vietnam's shrimp production chain can only thrive and regain its position if this cost reduction is achieved. As a result, the shrimp industry requires a fundamental solution to reduce costs in addition to ensuring sustainable production and livelihoods for shrimp farmers.

Seeking a sustainable solution for Vietnamese shrimp

According to several experts, the shrimp industry should focus on developing a revolutionary solution for the entire value chain with a focus on shrimp farming. Several Vietnamese businesses have recently implemented various shrimp farming models to relatively successful results. A prominent example is the high-tech GROFARM shrimp farming model implemented by Grobest.

Established in 2021, GROFARM's goal is to increase the success rate of shrimp farming and optimize profits for farmers based on five fundamental factors: Support, Breeding, Optimal Nutrition Program, Mobile Lab Services, and Efficiency.

After three years, the model has achieved an impressive success rate of over 85% at shrimp farms nationwide, with notable examples include key regions such as Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Ca Mau, and so on. Furthermore, Grobest has organized 1038 workshops and specialized training sessions to provide detailed guidance on the GROFARM model to shrimp farmers.

Based on the results from the GROFARM model, Grobest's experts have continued to make new improvements to enhance the model. This effort has been realized with the GROFARM PRO model in 2023. Accordingly, the enhanced model has been applied to various high-density and large-scale farming households.

In addition to inheriting all the advantages of its predecessor model, GROFARM PRO brings a difference through the addition and upgrade of three core elements: functional feed from Grobest, a system of new technologies, and a focus on sustainable development goals. Additionally, the collaboration between Grobest and farmers will be reinforced with GROFARM PRO, which encompasses building ponds, selecting breeds, and selling commercial products.

GROFARM PRO is designed by Grobest to be adaptable to the region and farmers. Moreover, the model ensures the characteristics of an open ecosystem with specialized partners, which will maintain sustainability and protect the environment. The model will be an exemplary solution in helping Vietnamese shrimp reduce production costs and overcome challenges.

Farmers can also proactively follow the latest results of the GROFARM PRO model on Grobest Vietnam's Fanpage.

Grobest Vietnam's specialists have provided consultation and support to farmers with regards to the new farming system. Accordingly, the ponds will be tailored to the customer's existing pond system or constructed according to their requirements. The shrimp seed sources selected for the GroFarm process undergo meticulous scrutiny and are sourced from leading shrimp hatcheries. This stringent selection process ensures their suitability for each region's crop and caters to the needs of individual customers.

Furthermore, Grobest offers a range of high-quality functional feeds designed to meet the evolving requirements of shrimp at various developmental stages. This strategic approach aids in facilitating successful outcomes for shrimp farming. A noteworthy component of the GroFarm model is the Mobile Lab service, which plays a pivotal role. It conducts on-site health assessments, diagnoses shrimp health, and thoroughly evaluates water quality to provide timely advice on prevailing and potential issues.

By the end of 2021, numerous shrimp farming households which employed the Grobest's GroFarm model have reported highly favorable outcomes with exceptional profit margins.