Locals utilize a cylindrical bamboo basket known as lop to capture these field crabs. The collection of these crabs typically takes place at 4:00 am.
The crabs that have been caught are available for purchase from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Nguyen Van Mong, a resident of Binh Thanh Commune, has been practicing the traditional occupation of basket crab catching using bamboo traps for a remarkable period of 20 years. This honorable profession has allowed him to successfully support his three children and provide for their needs.
 |
| Bich Thuy field crab wholesaling point, run by Nguyen Van Mong and his wife, is crowded every day. |
The period of high demand for this job typically occurs between the seventh and tenth lunar month, which coincides with the flooding season in the Mekong Delta (approximately August to November).
Individuals like Mong are earning the highest income during this period.
He is able to harvest between 50 to 60 kilograms of field crabs by strategically positioning 600 bamboo baskets.
Over the past two years, Mong and his wife have successfully operated as wholesalers. They currently manage a thriving field crab wholesaling point known as Bich Thuy.
Our company purchases a total of 450 to 500 kilograms of field crabs daily from 100 households. These crabs are then sold in Ho Chi Minh City.
Field crabs are available for purchase at VND15,000 (US$0.63) per kilogram, while field crabs with large claws can be bought at VND35,000 ($1.47) per kilogram.
Nguyen Van My, aged 57, resides in Binh Thanh Commune and has dedicated a significant portion of his life to the occupation of field crab catching.
During the flooding season, My is able to collect an impressive daily haul of 25 to 30 kilograms of field crabs. This allows her to earn approximately VND400,000 ($16.83) per day.
 |
| Nguyen Van Mong is classifying field crabs according to their size. |
“In the months of February and March, I am able to harvest a total of approximately seven to eight kilograms of field crabs. However, during this period, the price of the crabs increases to VND60,000 ($2.52) per kilogram. As a result, I am able to maintain a consistent and stable income throughout the year.”
Le Thanh Tuan, the Chairman of Binh Thanh Commune People’s Committee, reported that a group of 12 households in the community engage in the production of bamboo knitting cylindrical baskets as a means of earning a living.
The slowdown in consumption was experienced in previous years due to below-average floodwater levels. However, the current year has seen notable improvement.
According to Hien Vo Be, the leader of the Dong Thap Fisheries Sub-department, this year’s flood level is higher compared to last year. However, the source of fisheries is not as abundant as it usually is.
Widespread flooding has occurred in Dong Thap Province, particularly in its Hong Ngu, Tam Nong, and Thanh Binh Communes. The flood is expected to reach its peak in mid-October, providing a significant source of fisheries for the local community.
 |
| A fisherman is carrying his 30 kilograms of field crabs to a wholesaler. |
 |
| Mong is making lop – a cylindrical bamboo basket to catch field crabs. |
Stay updated with the latest news about Vietnam by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.
Vietnam invests 3.97 million USD abroad in January
The latest updates from the Foreign Investment Agency revealed that Vietnam invested 3.97 million USD abroad in January, more than three times higher than the same month last year.
Splendid natural spot in Vietnam’s southernmost region
The magnificent Tra Su Cajuput Forest covering 845 hectares in Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province, is home to a huge variety of fauna and flora.
Mekong Delta fishermen craving fish in floating season
As the flood season in the Mekong Delta has come late due to impacts of climate change, local fishermen, especially needy people, are going through multiple difficulties as they cannot catch fish.
Walking around Tra Su cajuput forest in flooding season
The beauty of Tra Su, the most beautiful and famous cajuput forest in Vietnam, remains unchanged over the time. Its beauty seems more outstanding during the flooding season in the Mekong Delta.
The beauty of water-rising season in Hau Giang
Located along lower branches of the Mekong River in Vietnam, Hau Giang is one of the last provinces in the Mekong Delta to welcome the annual flooding season. It is seen as a gift from heaven, bringing tonnes of fish into the paddy fields along with alluvial deposits to fertilize the next crop. The floods usually come late July or early August and remain until November or even later.
