Page 49 - Agricultural innovation

4.7.2. Model development
Thuan Phat Cooperative (Muoi Huynh hamlet, Dong Hung commune, An Minh district, Kien Giang
province) was established in 2017, with the initial number of 17 members increased to 34 members
in 2022 and the total rice cultivated area of 115 ha. The member households have implemented the
organic rice, fish and shrimp model. According to Cooperative Director Le The Sua, the secret to
effective advertising in intercropping with shrimp and crab is the timing of shrimp and crab stocking.
The shrimp and crab farming process must ensure the following contents:
• Release shrimp about 1.5 to 2 months in advance, then release crabs so that crabs do not eat
small shrimps.

• The pond has a floating ledge system inside, or a trench is dug around with a mound in the
middle so that crabs can dig holes and shelters.

• When taking water into the pond, it is necessary to check the salinity, if the difference in salinity
is more than 3 thousandth when stocking, the crabs will be abnormally peeled, weak and dead.
• Stocking density: Black tiger shrimp are reared in the density of of 12 to 15 shrimps per square
metre; 1 to 1.5 crabs per square metre if the crabs have just released from the hatchery and
density of 1 or 0.5 crabs per square metre depending to the size of crab seedling.
• After 3 months of farming, large and firm crabs can be harvested and sold. After 4 months,
the crabs in the pond have decreased, then harvest the shrimp, and at the same time empty the
pond to collect crabs. At that time, there will be some crabs that are not grown yet, so they will
continue to raise in another pond about 10 to 12 days before harvesting.
With this form of farming, the return on investment for shrimp is over 55%, and for crabs is 60%
for farmers.

Figure 12. Ogranic shrimps and crabs in Thuan Phat Cooperative
Source: Vietnam Agriculture Newspaper

In addition, the cooperative has cooperated with local rice businesses such as Tan Long, Dai Duong
Xanh Company to cultivate organic rice and have been certified organic rice in 2020. Through the
implementation of cooperation with businesses farmers get an interest-free advance on rice varieties,
fertilizers (microbiological and organic fertilizers) and foliar fertilizers and the company buys fresh
rice at harvesting time which enable farmers not to worry about rice marketing.
One of the great successes of Thuan Phat Cooperative is the association activity sought and
connected by an experienced director. The cooperative has had many activities with programs and

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