Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) has unveiled Roiphet closed-door shrimp farming project, designed as the prototype in maximizing water resource efficiency and particularly easing water stress for an environmental-friendly and sustainable way of water use.

The closed-door farming project is developed on three main objectives: 1) creating a prototype through world-standard technology for higher farming efficiency 2) increasing output through environment-controlled method and efficient fight against diseases affecting shrimp’s growth and 3) conserving water by reducing water use, reusing and exploring new reuse solutions for maximum efficiency and less dependence on natural water.

DVM Sujint Thammasart, Chief Operating Officer for Aquatic Business, said thanks to high-tech farming methods, CPF has used only 0.8 cubic meter of water or about 800 liter to produce a kilogram of shrimp, or less than 20% of consumption at other farms. The technology is deployed at Roiphet closed-door shrimp farming project, resulting in maximum water use efficiency.

At other farms, they demand 4-5 cubic meters of water for every 1 kg of shrimp. Some farms adopting the bio floc technology which uses bacteria in treating shrimp excrements and water-reuse technology still demand 2-3 cubic meters of water for 1 kg of shrimp.

Sujint added that a very little volume of water is drained from Roiphet farm. At the treatment ponds, it is treated according to the Department of Fisheries’ requirements and comes under strict quality tests before released to natural water channels. While this conserves the nature, the closed-door farming also allows the tracking of natural water use and reuse.

“Through closed-door farming, we can precisely control the volume of water use and quality. Importantly, natural water is not excessively used as our goal is maximum efficiency. Water drained from the farm is also well-treated. We effectively reduce the impact on natural water sources for sustainable production,” Sujint said.

The farm deploys a recycling scheme that starts from drawing natural water to a water pond. Clean water is transferred to shrimp ponds. Used water goes to sediment ponds and then treatment ponds, before resting at a reservoir. Throughout the process, water quality is stringently checked to ensure no contamination before reuse. The process helps effectively reduce and control disease outbreaks.

The company’s water management policy is strictly in line with the 4Rs – reduce, recycle, reuse and replenish, for water conservation efficiency. Meanwhile, the ISO 50001 energy management requirements are upheld.

Sujint emphasized that Roiphet closed-door farming is a result of CPF’s relentless research and development to significantly reduce water use in shrimp farming, lift food quality and safety in line with international standards, ensure traceability throughout the sustainable supply chain, and minimize impacts on the environment and society. While consumers are assured of quality, the system also reduces business risks and losses.