FIRST MOLTED SHRIMP SHELL COLLECTION TRIP – A SMALL MILESTONE IN A LONG JOURNEY 
After months of working with shrimp farmers – from on-site pond assessments to training sessions on collection processes and by-product utilization – we successfully carried out the first collection of molted shrimp shells on March 24, 2026.
More than 200 kg of molted shrimp shells from farming households in Hoa Nghia Cooperative were transported to the processing facility. This marks the first time this by-product has been incorporated into a value chain instead of being discarded.
The model is currently being piloted with 25 households across 90 hectares, with an estimated potential of 35–40 tons per year (~5% of the total production of 700–800 tons). These initial results provide a foundation for further refining the process and evaluating scalability.
In addition to collection activities, the model has begun to demonstrate a new approach to by-product management in shrimp farming:
Utilizing by-products instead of discarding them Contributing to cost reduction and improved farming environments Strengthening linkages between farmers, cooperatives, and enterprisesThis is one of the pilot models in Vietnam focusing on the collection and reuse of molted shrimp shells at the household farming level. It contributes to advancing green economy, circular economy, and inclusive economy approaches – by reducing environmental impact, optimizing resource use, and expanding value chain participation for farmers.
This achievement is the result of collaboration between GIZ Vietnam (GIZ in VIET NAM), Hoa Nghia Cooperative, and local farmers.
The first collection trip marks a starting point for continued monitoring, refinement, and gradual scaling of the model in the coming time.
Sincere thanks to all partners and farmers for their participation and contributions to this initiative.
