Blue shrimp farming intercropped with rice yields hundreds of millions of dong annually

After years of grappling with the fish–rice production model that delivered low economic returns, residents of Quang Trung Ward (Thanh Hóa Province) have shifted to intercrop farming blue shrimp with rice. Local implementation indicates the economic value has increased several times, creating a more sustainable agricultural pathway.

From low-return farming to shrimp–rice intercropping

As one of the early adopters, Mr. Tran Xuan Hanh converted more than 5,300 m2 of farmland to blue shrimp intercropped with rice. He stocked 12,000 fingerlings and, in the initial period, spent most of his time in the fields to monitor shrimp and rice growth closely.

The first harvest brought positive results, with the family earning about 50 million VND in profit. Since then, Mr. Hanh has continued investing to refine breeding practices and improve production efficiency.

Production and income results

At present, the Hanh family harvests around 800 kg of marketable shrimp per year. Shrimp are sold at 300,000–400,000 VND per kg, generating profits of 100–150 million VND. This is four to five times higher than the previous farming model.

Why the model works

According to Mr. Hanh, the key feature of the shrimp–rice model is the integration of the two crops into a mutually supportive system. Shrimp feed on algae and stir the mud, helping improve soil conditions. Meanwhile, rice plants provide shelter for shrimp—particularly during molting—and also supply natural food.

Beyond stocking, Mr. Hanh applied tray-seedling transplantation to reduce labor while maintaining rice yields. He also sourced feed proactively, controlled water quality, and managed stocking density tightly to limit risks and support higher yields.

Cooperative expansion and standards

From experience accumulated across seasons, the model has become more refined and stable. Mr. Hanh also shares know-how with nearby households and supports them in joining the model. He currently serves as head of the blue-shrimp intercropping cooperative in Quang Trung Ward, which has five members, covering about 20,000 m2 and producing nearly 3 tons of shrimp annually.

The cooperative plans to expand further, aiming to produce under VietGAP standards and gradually participate in sustainable agricultural supply chains.

Recognition and local replication

In 2025, Mr. Hanh’s blue-shrimp intercropped with rice model won an Excellent Award at the provincial level in the “Startup Ideas, Products” contest, reinforcing the approach’s effectiveness and feasibility.

In the same area, the Mai Van Sy family developed the model on 2,000 m2. After costs, the household earned nearly 100 million VND per year. Mrs. Tran Thi Hoi, chair of the Quang Trung Farmers’ Association, said that after more than four years of implementation, the blue shrimp–rice model has shown clear economic benefits. She added that the locality will continue to support and guide expansion so residents can raise incomes through sustainable production.

Related aquaculture practice

In addition, the Sỹ family uses about 0.5 ha of water to farm tilapia. The family sells the fish and uses part of the stock as natural feed for the shrimp.