Aquaculture maintains high growth momentum

In recent years, the production value of the aquaculture sector has consistently led growth in the agriculture-forestry-fishery field. After the merger, Dong Nai province possesses abundant water resources, including the Dong Nai River and the Be River, with a large irrigation lake system, further enriching the potential for aquaculture development.

Prices of freshwater fish remain high, giving fish cage farmers in Phu Hoa commune confidence to invest in the upcoming crop for the year-end market. Photo: B.Nguyen

The aquaculture sector continues to shift towards increasing intensive and semi-intensive farming areas. Many high-tech aquaculture models currently rank among the top in delivering high economic efficiency and are being widely expanded.

Aquaculture brings good profits

According to local aquaculture farmers, from the beginning of the year until now, prices of shrimp, crab, and freshwater fish have remained high, bringing good profits. This time is the period when freshwater fish farms are stocking fingerlings for the Tet Nguyen Dan 2026 crop. Currently, weather conditions are favorable, and water sources are suitable for fingerling release. Although prices of some freshwater fish have declined slightly compared to last month, farmers remain hopeful for a strong Tet 2026 market, allowing them to invest with confidence.

Nguyen Ngoc Thanh, a fish cage farmer in Phu Hoa commune, commented: The water environment in the La Nga River is very favorable for the development of freshwater fish. In addition, local fish cage farmers have rich experience, allowing them to cultivate fish with good quality and attractive appearance, so the products are often sold at prices higher than the general market. From the beginning of the year until now, prices of many types of freshwater fish, such as tilapia, perch, carp, catfish, etc., have generally remained high. Farmers earn good profits and are confident to invest in the new crop.

Brackish water aquaculture areas in An Phuoc, Dai Phuoc, and Phuoc An communes are currently preparing to stock fingerlings for the Tet Nguyen Dan 2026 crop. According to local brackish water farmers, specialty products such as shrimp and crab are typically in high demand and command premium prices during holidays and Tet, sometimes doubling or tripling compared to normal days. Since the beginning of the year, shrimp and crab prices have remained stable at profitable levels, prompting many farms to increase stocking volumes in hopes of a successful harvest and strong year-end prices.

According to aquaculture farmers in the province, for the crop serving the Tet Nguyen Dan 2026 market, many farms have increased production compared to other crops throughout the year. The structure of farmed fish species has also shifted, with greater emphasis on high-value specialty varieties such as deo fish, golden catfish, yellow-cheeked catfish, loach, eel, and vo dem striped snakehead.

There is still room for development

According to the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the province currently has nearly 9,900 hectares of fish ponds, over 1,500 fish cages, and more than 6,000 river fish cages. In addition, the province has 20 reservoirs for aquaculture with an area of nearly 51,500 hectares. Total aquaculture output in the province is estimated at over 82,500 tons. Among them, farmed fish accounts for 89.7% while shrimp accounts for about 8.6%...

The province's key aquaculture products include wild perch, carp, red tilapia, tilapia, snakehead, catfish, and white-leg shrimp. Among them, intensive and semi-intensive farming areas make up the majority, covering nearly 5,000 hectares, accounting for 66.7% of the total aquaculture area. Aquaculture remains a strategic advantage that many localities continue to promote for future development.

The province currently has 27 domestic-invested enterprises and 18 foreign-invested enterprises operating in the aquaculture sector. In addition, 8 aquaculture cooperatives have been established, forming linked chains, many of which apply high-tech aquaculture.

Nguyen Van Vien, chairman of the Phu Hoa Commune People's Committee, said the commune has nearly 10 kilometers of the La Nga River running through it. In addition, the area has about 200 hectares of ponds and lakes used for freshwater fish farming. Local freshwater aquaculture generates high economic returns with stable market demand, making it a key advantage for future development.

The commune aims to promote safe freshwater aquaculture and integrate it with tourism development. Special focus is placed on supporting fish cage farmers in expanding markets and diversifying aquaculture products. Notably, fish cage farming on the La Nga River yields many high-quality specialty fish, particularly catfish. The locality hopes to build a brand for this high-value species.

The province has over 1,700 hectares of brackish water aquaculture. High-tech models for white-leg shrimp and black tiger shrimp are among the top in delivering high economic efficiency.

According to Nguyen Huy Binh, Director of Thanh Cong Agricultural-Aquaculture Service Cooperative (Phuoc An commune), applying high-tech in brackish water shrimp farming brings economic efficiency thanks to much higher harvest yields than traditional models. In particular, pond models lined with plastic sheets, with water treatment and waste treatment systems, ensure environmental protection and good disease control for farmed animals, reducing risks and losses. Accordingly, cooperative members have confidently expanded high-tech shrimp farming to more than 30 hectares. This initiative is an effective economic model encouraged for replication by local authorities with various supporting policies. Among the advantages, the locality has invested in transportation and electricity systems for production.

By: Binh Nguyen

Translated by: Minh Hanh - Minho