Job Market Becoming Increasingly Difficult, IPB University Lecturer: Betta Fish Farming Offers Promising Opportunities
Amidst the increasingly difficult job market, ornamental fish farming is considered to have promising prospects. One type of ornamental fish that is particularly suitable, especially for those who are just starting out, is the betta fish.
According to Dr Irzal Effendi, a lecturer at the Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University, ornamental fish that can be cultivated by beginners with minimal capital and marketed locally are betta fish.
“Betta fish are the most suitable choice for beginners because they require minimal capital and are easy to maintain,” he explained.
Dr Irzal explained that betta fish have a high tolerance for water quality conditions. Therefore, these fish can be cultivated in small containers such as jars, individually. In some ornamental fish production centers in Bogor Regency, ornamental fish are cultivated in 1/2 kg plastic bags hung in rows of 3-5 levels on the side walls of houses, thus becoming a source of income for families. This ornamental fish cultivation business can be carried out in urban areas (urban aquaculture or urban farming) where land and water are limited.
To facilitate marketing, he suggested that farmers choose betta fish with attractive fin shapes and body colors or unique color combinations.
“In terms of feed, these fish are also easy to raise because they can be fed red worms, silk worms, mosquito larvae, and artificial feed, all of which are easily available in the field,” he added.
Furthermore, Dr Irzal emphasized that ornamental fish farming has proven to boost the economy, both locally and nationally. “Ornamental fish farming has proven to be resilient to national and global economic shocks. During the monetary crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, this industry has relatively managed to survive,” he explained.
During these difficult times, there were many layoffs and mobility restrictions, leading to increased stress among the public. One form of psychological escape for the public was keeping ornamental fish at home.
“This kept the demand for ornamental fish high. The local economy remained vibrant and had a positive impact on the national economy,” he said.
However, he acknowledged that the fisheries sector has not yet been able to evenly improve the welfare of ornamental fish farmers. Dr Irzal encouraged farmers to form business groups such as fish farming groups (Pokdakan), joint business groups (KUB), or cooperatives.
“This is so that fish farmers have a stronger bargaining position when dealing with buyers or suppliers of production inputs in the agribusiness or ornamental fish supply chain,” he said.
As input for both the central and local governments, Dr Irzal emphasized the importance of strategies to support economic growth through the fisheries sector.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of facilitating affordable financing from financial institutions, technical and managerial assistance, and marketing support for products to domestic, inter-island, and international markets. One form of support that can be provided is through promotions in the form of ornamental fish contests, festivals, and bazaars both domestically and internationally.
“The government also needs to encourage the formation and autonomy of ornamental fish farming institutions such as pokdakan, KUB, or cooperatives, and protect farmers from non-affirmative or even detrimental regulations,” he concluded. (AS) (IAAS/EXC)
