Binh Thuan is one of the provinces with the highest number of sunny days in the country. While the negative impacts of extreme heat are significant, this weather condition also creates an opportunity for the successful cultivation of certain high-value algae that other regions cannot produce.
The process of cultivating Spirulina, which originated from France, has been imported by the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. This production process is relatively simple, using a continuous open system with monthly harvesting. However, not every area can cultivate this type of algae; in Binh Thuan, it is only possible in Tuy Phong, as this region enjoys a high number of sunny days throughout the year and has suitable groundwater resources.
Spirulina contains over 65% protein, low lipid content, and is rich in beta-carotene and various provitamins A, D, and B12, making it a fundamental ingredient for nutritional supplements and medicinal products. Currently, the price of Spirulina powder ranges from 250,000 to 300,000 VND per kilogram, but it does not meet market demand, as there are only two production facilities in the southern provinces capable of producing this algae.
According to Engineer Duong Van Sau, Deputy General Director of Vinh Hao Mineral Water Joint Stock Company, the current production facility is cultivating algae on an area of 2,000 square meters, with a capacity of approximately 6 tons of dry algae per year. The unit is expanding its production area by an additional 7,000 square meters to reach a capacity of 15 tons per year, catering to domestic and export demands. Additionally, the facility is investing in technology to process raw algae into nutritional products to enhance the effectiveness of this new crop in the arid land.
