In light of weather forecasts for 2026 indicating many unusual developments such as out-of-season rainfall, increasing saltwater intrusion, and prolonged heat waves, the agricultural sector of Can Tho City has issued a seasonal calendar along with numerous technical recommendations to help brackish-water shrimp farmers proactively respond and improve production efficiency.
According to the sector’s assessment, 2026 is likely to see many adverse weather phenomena, especially during the seasonal transition period. Heat waves are forecast to occur from late March to early May 2026, with peak temperatures of around 37°C, lasting in waves of 7–10 days each. In addition, saltwater intrusion during the 2025–2026 dry season is forecast to be higher than the multi-year average, with the peak salinity period concentrated in late February and March.
Under such weather conditions, shrimp farmers are advised to limit stocking in January and in October, November, and December to avoid affecting seed quality and shrimp survival rates.
ADJUSTING THE PRODUCTION SEASON, CHOOSING APPROPRIATE FARMING MODELS
To improve production efficiency and minimize risks, brackish-water shrimp farms are encouraged to adjust their production seasons appropriately, while also applying suitable farming models such as 2–3 stage shrimp farming, or integrated farming with tilapia or other aquatic species to stabilize pond conditions and limit disease outbreaks.
Based on weather forecasts, the Can Tho Department of Agriculture and Environment has developed a seasonal calendar for brackish-water shrimp farming in 2026. Accordingly, the stocking season begins in January 2026 and ends in late September 2026. Specifically:
- White-leg shrimp: Stocking from January 21 to September 30, 2026.
- Black tiger shrimp: Stocking from February 1 to September 30, 2026.
- Shrimp–Rice model: Stocking from February 1 and harvesting must be completed before September to ensure the rice production plan.
Mr. Do Van Thua, Deputy Head of the Can Tho Sub-Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Surveillance, said that limiting stocking in January is necessary due to low temperatures and the large day-night temperature difference. For farming areas with suitable salinity conditions, proactive water storage, good water treatment, and pond preparation between production cycles, farmers may implement staggered stocking throughout the year; however, they need to develop timely response plans when weather conditions turn unfavorable.
According to Mr. Thua, high-tech farming facilities, intensive farming at high densities, with stable infrastructure and strong capacity to control the environment and disease, can stock year-round. The specialized sector encourages the application of multi-stage farming models, the use of probiotics, integrated farming with tilapia, seabass, mullet, or polyculture of all-male giant freshwater prawns with white-leg shrimp and black tiger shrimp.
STRENGTHENING MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING OF THE FARMING ENVIRONMENT
To ensure the effectiveness of the 2026 brackish-water shrimp crop, the Can Tho Department of Agriculture and Environment requires localities to base their guidance on the common seasonal calendar so that farmers can stock in line with the actual conditions of each farming area. At the same time, it is necessary to intensify communication and technical training on pond preparation, seed selection, biosecure farming procedures, and close monitoring of environmental factors to promptly warn of risks.
Ms. Quach Thi Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of the Can Tho Department of Agriculture and Environment, advised farmers to strictly comply with the seasonal calendar, use seed with clear origin, avoid overly high stocking densities, and fully observe regulations on farming area planning. The agricultural sector will regularly update information on the environment, weather, and disease outbreaks, and adjust stocking schedules when necessary to suit actual conditions.
C.A
Source: nguoinuoitom.vn
