Odom Tithya, proprietor of the Phnom Penh Mud Crab Farm, shows off a Scylla crab that was grown by his operation. PP MUD CRAB FARM
In Phnom Penh, the demand for Scylla mud crab, a coveted seafood, is soaring. Modern techniques are disrupting traditional marine farming, with a novel business approach permitting landlocked cultivation. This revolutionary technique utilises customised containment boxes, negating the need for extensive aquatic spaces like ponds or pools.
A young Cambodian engineer, with no prior agricultural experience, seized this opportunity and pioneered a modern mud crab farm in the capital’s Meanchey district. Odom Tithya, proprietor of Phnom Penh Mud Crab Farm, began his venture on a modest scale, making use of a mere 60sqm in his family’s backyard.
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Explaining the inception of his business, Tithya recollects: “Initially, I noticed a lack of crabs in local seafood eateries, with shrimp and squid dominating the menu. That sparked my idea to introduce mud crabs to the market”.
According to Tithya, he’s an early entrant in the Phnom Penh mud crab industry. Despite his civil engineering background, he was intrigued by the possibility of crab farming. He equipped himself with knowledge by leveraging online resources, gleaning information from international practices particularly in Malaysia and the Philippines.
“As Covid-19 had moved teaching online, I was able to learn and overcome numerous questions before mastering the technique,” he said.
Unlike traditional methods, Tithya does not raise crabs from a young age. He sources mature crabs from the Cambodian sea, notably from Preah Sihanouk and Koh Kong provinces, and keeps them in storage-like boxes until sale. This innovative technique guarantees hygiene and offers price competitiveness with sea-based farms.
According to Tithya, demand for his farmed mud crabs is high due to the scarcity of such farms.
“Due to the perishable nature of the product, customers find it expensive and difficult to source in the local market. This business, therefore, holds potential for the future,” he said.
His plans include expanding the business to more shops in Phnom Penh, thus ensuring availability of mud crab, alongside the omnipresent shrimp and squid.
His farm currently houses 1,000 boxes, accommodating various types of mud crabs, priced from 20,000 to 120,000 riel ($5 to $30) per kilogramme. The primary clientele comprises restaurants, seafood sellers, and individuals.
Tithya anticipates significant profitability, depending on the business model.
“Suppose my farm houses 1,000 boxes. If I sell 500 crabs to a restaurant in a day and replenish the boxes, I can sell nearly 300-400kg a day. At $20 per kg, this business can potentially generate tens of thousands of dollars,” he explained.
Tithya believes his venture, a relatively new concept in Cambodia, holds promise for a long future. Furthermore, its modest time requirements make it a viable option for those seeking to augment their skills or looking for part-time engagements.
