Farming Without Chemicals
Thong’s philosophy is rooted in purity. On his farm, you will find no antibiotics and no artificial chemicals. Instead, he sources his post larvae directly from trusted hatcheries and releases them into a completely natural environment.
"I guess I was meant for this ecological farming," Thong says. By following the natural cycles of the land, he produces shrimp that are famous for their organic quality and distinct sweetness.
The Secret of the Mangroves
To the untrained eye, a mangrove forest might look like wild overgrowth. To Thong, it is the lifeblood of his ponds. He actively encourages his neighbors to plant more mangroves, explaining that the trees provide essential shade, keep the water cool, and maintain a fertile balance in the soil.
Without the mangroves, the soil loses the organic matter that the shrimp need to feed on naturally. "The shrimp live in the water," Thong explains. "If the water is good and clean, the shrimp can live and grow well." This ecosystem ensures that the shrimp reaching the shelves of Target or Kroger are as healthy as those found in the wild.
The Challenge of the Tides
Despite the natural beauty of Ca Mau, the work is physically demanding. The toughest part of Thong’s day involves managing the water gates. He must carefully time the opening and closing of these gates with the rising and falling tides to refresh the ponds.
But the reward for this labor is sweet. During the right tides, Thong catches fresh shrimp directly from the pond, boils them immediately, and enjoys a meal that he describes as "really sweet and delicious." For him, the happiest moments are when a harvest is strong enough to be sold as premium organic shrimp, providing a stable life for his family.
A Message for the World
Thong’s goal is to bridge the gap between his hometown and international buyers. He wants the world to know that Ca Mau shrimp represent a natural quality that is hard to find elsewhere. By supporting these local ecological farmers, buyers help sustain a way of life that protects the environment while providing a superior product for dinner tables across the globe.
Experience the Ca Mau Harvest
Want to see the beautiful mangrove forests of Vietnam and hear more from Nguyen Van Thong about his ecological methods? Watch the full interview to see how nature and farming live in perfect harmony.
