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The Pearl River Delta tries to catch greenhouses to raise the price of shrimp in South America.
The adoption of greenhouses in Guangdong has long been a signature method of shrimp farming in the Pearl River Delta. However, to mitigate the impact of cold weather on aquaculture and improve productivity, greenhouse shrimp farming has recently begun emerging in the western regions of the province. Despite its potential benefits, this method is still facing challenges in widespread adoption.
In late March, reporters were surprised to find several shrimp ponds covered with white plastic film in Wuyang Town, Wuchuan City. Compared to traditional open ponds in the surrounding area, these greenhouse structures, supported by ropes, stood out as a new approach. Technician Liang Peixiong explained that after selling shrimp in December, four ponds were selected for greenhouse cultivation, covering a total of 20 mu. In early January, they stocked 3 million shrimp. “This allows us to raise one extra batch per year, and the price during the early season is much better,†he said.
According to reports, there are approximately 100 mu of shrimp ponds in Wuyang Town, most of which were built at the end of last year. Similarly, in other parts of western Guangdong, a few farmers have started constructing greenhouses for shrimp farming either at the end of last year or early this year.
Weng Guocheng, a feed distributor in Shaxi Town, Yangxi City, and Liang Inventors, from Qishui Town, Leizhou City, both confirmed that some households built greenhouses at the end of last year. However, the number remains small—only two or three farms, and only part of their ponds were converted. Most farmers are still cautious and hesitant to invest heavily.
Chen Guoliang, general manager of Zhanjiang Haimao Water Producer Technology Co., Ltd., believes that while shrimp farming is possible in western Guangdong, it's difficult to promote due to environmental challenges. Unlike the Pearl River Delta, the western region experiences strong winds in early winter. The plastic film used for greenhouse covers lacks durability and can easily be torn by wind, reducing insulation and causing rapid temperature drops in the pond. This stress can harm the shrimp.
Weng Guocheng added that in order to prevent wind damage, ventilation holes cannot be left in greenhouses built in western Guangdong. As a result, harmful gases accumulate inside, affecting water quality and potentially harming shrimp growth. Additionally, high temperatures from direct sunlight can cause sudden increases in water temperature, leading to further stress on the shrimp.
He also noted that the cost of building greenhouses in the west is higher than in the Pearl River Delta, and the risks are greater. Farmers must carefully assess their financial situation and avoid overstocking, as the investment is significant.
Despite these challenges, raising shrimp in greenhouses offers advantages. In western Guangdong, winter temperatures often drop below 20°C, which can slow down shrimp growth or even lead to frost damage if no protection is provided. Traditionally, farmers leave ponds empty for months after selling shrimp, waiting until the Qingming Festival to restock, resulting in only two harvests per year.
Liang Peixiong explained that greenhouses help protect shrimp from cold and wind, allowing them to grow normally throughout the winter. The shrimp stocked in January are raised at higher densities, which slightly slows their growth but results in a size of about 160 sticks per kilogram. Once the weather warms up, the ponds are separated, and the shrimp continue growing.
He believes that once harvested, the shrimp have stronger disease resistance and grow faster. By May, they can reach a marketable size of 80 sticks per kilogram. After selling, farmers can restock again in August or September, aiming to sell another batch by the end of the year or early next year. This system allows for three harvests annually.
According to Liang, the price of shrimp is highest during April and May when supply is low. In previous years, shrimp with a size of 40 sticks per kilogram sold for 15 yuan per kilogram, sometimes even more. The cost of setting up a greenhouse is over 3,000 yuan per mu, increasing the production cost by at least 3 yuan per kilogram.
“Even with the higher costs, as long as we can sell at 15 yuan per kilogram, it’s worth it,†Liang said. He estimates that the cost of winter greenhouse shrimp is around 11 yuan per kilogram, and with a profit of 4-5 yuan per kilogram, it remains highly profitable despite the risks.
Many farmers who raised shrimp in greenhouses during the winter do so to sell them around the Spring Festival, when prices are high. Some are still wary of the 2008 freeze, but a few are willing to take the risk to ensure stable profits.