Assessing a model to find the right stocking density for market-size mitten crab

On 24 September, a conference was held in Yen Mac Commune, Ninh Binh Province, to review a model for determining the right stocking density for market-size mitten crab. The model covered a total of 6,000 m² at three sites, each with a different stocking density.

The results: in Gia Hung Commune, a density of 3 crabs/m² gave an average weight of 142 g per crab; in Yen Mac Commune, 5 crabs/m² gave 140 g; and in Khanh Thien Commune, 7 crabs/m² gave 130 g.

In economic terms, after five months of farming the Yen Mac site earned the highest profit at VND 144.66 million, followed by Khanh Thien at VND 141.4 million and Gia Hung at VND 89.8 million. The conference concluded that 5 crabs/m² delivers the best economic return — a benchmark for MICFOOD and its partner farmers to optimise stocking density in future seasons.