Economic evaluation for improving productivity of brine shrimp Artemia franciscana culture in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Abstract

The Artemia culture industry in the Mekong Delta plays an important role in providing high quality and quantity of dormant cyst for global aquaculture. Nevertheless, varying geographic location and production scale may affect the productivity and economic performance of the industry. This study presents an economic analysis by considering the interaction effect of geographic location and production scale for improving productivity of Artemia culture in the Mekong Delta. The data were surveyed from 57 farms in Vinh Chau and 37 farms in Bac Lieu. According to multivariate statistical analysis, the profitabilities of Artemia farms were significantly influenced by geographic location and its interaction with production scale (p < .001). Farms in Vinh Chau obtained higher economic performance compared to those in Bac Lieu, with the greatest profitability denoted for small-scale farms in Vinh Chau. To improve farm productivity, beside maintaining optimal stocking densities, moderate increases of organic fertilizer, feed and chemical inputs are recommended to supply Artemia with more nutrients and create better water environment for the optimal development and reproduction of Artemia. Additionally, a periodic harvest of Artemia biomass (adult Artemia) is required to minimize food and space competition and provide more incomes to farmers. In terms of supportive strategies, the government in Bac Lieu is proposed to have more investment policies for farm land and strengthen the establishments and activities of local cooperatives for further technical and financial assistance in Artemia culture.