HDPE cages offer many outstanding benefits such as high durability, reduced maintenance costs and environmental friendliness. However, many marine farmers are still hesitant to switch due to high initial investment costs and lack of technical support. This article will reflect the perspective of marine farmers, clarify the practical benefits and solutions to overcome barriers when applying HDPE cages..
1. Thoughts of Marine Farmers Before the New Trend
For many years, marine farmers have been accustomed to traditional wooden or iron cages. Despite knowing the limitations such as cages breaking down quickly, high repair costs and environmental pollution, most farmers are still hesitant to switch to HDPE cages. The main reason is the high initial investment cost, while profits from marine farming are not always stable.
Mr. Hoan, a fish farmer who later became an investor for households in Binh Ba – Khanh Hoa, shared: “I know HDPE cages are more durable and require less repair, but each cage costs three or four times more than a wooden cage. With limited capital, it is difficult for us to convert the entire system.”
2. The Undeniable Benefits of HDPE Rafts
Despite the high investment cost, HDPE cages bring many long-term benefits::
- Outstanding durability, reduced repair costs: HDPE cages can be used for 15-20 years without corrosion, while wooden cages can only be used for 3-5 years. This helps to significantly reduce replacement and maintenance costs.
- Withstand harsh weather: HDPE cages can withstand large waves, storms and are not deformed, helping to protect aquatic products more safely during the rainy and stormy season.
- Reduce environmental pollution: Unlike wooden cages that rot easily and create waste, HDPE cages are environmentally friendly and do not pollute seawater.
- Increase seafood productivity and quality: The optimal design of HDPE cages improves water circulation, reduces disease and increases seafood survival rate.
3. Why Are Marine Farmers Not Interested in HDPE Cages?
Although they clearly understand the advantages, many farmers are still not bold enough to switch because:
- High investment cost: An HDPE cage costs from 20-30 million VND, 3-4 times higher than a traditional cage. For small-scale farmers, this is an expense that is not easy to manage.
- Lack of support policies: Currently, preferential loan policies for HDPE cage investment are limited, making it difficult for people to access capital.
- Fear of change: Many people are used to wooden cages, are afraid of learning new techniques and are afraid of risks when trying new models.
- Long Payback Period: Although HDPE cages have a long lifespan, it takes several years to recover the investment, leaving farmers worried about their long-term financial viability.
4. Solutions to Promote HDPE Raft Conversion
To encourage farmers to convert, there need to be synchronous solutions:
- Financial support: Preferential loan packages, interest rate reductions or HDPE cage price subsidies should be implemented to ease the financial burden.
- Technical training: Organizing programs to guide the installation and operation of HDPE cages to help farmers easily access new technology.
- Pilot model: Build sample models for people to observe in reality, clearly see the economic and technical efficiency of HDPE cages.
- Incentive policies: The State needs to have long-term policies to support sustainable marine farming, including tax incentives and planning of farming areas using HDPE cages.
5. Conclude
HDPE cages are a sustainable solution that helps increase productivity and protect the environment. Although high initial costs are a major barrier, with appropriate support policies and a determination to innovate, farmers can completely make a successful transition.
The application of HDPE cages not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to protecting the marine environment for future generations.
