Final Indonesia Roadshow Strengthens Saline Tilapia Farming in North Sumatra

In November 2025, the AgResults Indonesia Aquaculture Challenge Project hosted its final roadshow of the year in North Sumatra, bringing together farmers, fisheries experts, and innovators to accelerate sustainable aquaculture. Managed by WWF-Indonesia, the roadshow focused on the region’s rising star: saline tilapia, a resilient fish now essential to the local economy.  These roadshows support the broader objective of the Pay-for-Results prize competition to engage the private sector and promote the adoption of technologies and technical assistance (TA) services among smallholder farmers.

A Growing Industry Looks to Saline Tilapia

Tilapia is the cornerstone of North Sumatra’s aquaculture industry. In 2025, tilapia production reached 170,026 tonnes, nearly half of the region’s overall aquaculture output. Beyond traditional freshwater farms, there is a growing shift toward cultivating tilapia in brackish or saline water. This change is fueled by both resource constraints and the species’ remarkable adaptability, allowing farmers to make use of coastal land and boost yields.

In Deli Serdang, saline tilapia is increasingly grown using simple earthen and tarpaulin ponds. Here, farmers see firsthand the benefits: more robust fish, faster growth, and competitive market value.

Listening to Farmers, Addressing Challenges

On November 11, the roadshow began with field visits in the Hamparan Perak District. The Project Manager (PM), Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and participating private sector competitors met directly with farmers to better understand the practical challenges that they face. One issue quickly surfaced: fish mortality caused by poor water quality, which directly results from overcrowding and insufficient management.

Farmers described how, especially in the morning, fish would surface listlessly, a telltale sign of low dissolved oxygen levels at night. These discussions highlighted that technology and good management must go hand in hand to ensure healthy stocks and stable livelihoods.

A Seminar on Solutions: Sharing Knowledge and Tools

Building on the field insights, the PM held a seminar on November 12 at the North Sumatra Marine and Fisheries Agency office and in Tanjung Rejo Village. The event — attended by 30 smallholder farmers, fisheries extension officers, provincial staff, and members of the TAC — focused on the seminar theme: “Technological Interventions and Technical Assistances for Improving Saline Tilapia Production Efficiency in North Sumatra.”

To begin the seminar, Jenny Masniari from the Marine and Fisheries Agency expressed regional support: “The shift to saline tilapia is driven by the species’ disease resistance and accelerated growth. We expect the new technologies introduced here will raise our aquaculture standards and support more resilient farming.”

Moderated by TAC Member Arief Arianto, the seminar featured presentations by industry experts. TAC Leader Coco Kokarkin spoke about cost-effective technology inputs for saline tilapia farming, while TAC Aquaculture Expert Supito explored how improved tools and best practices benefit both fish and shrimp farmers. The atmosphere was interactive, with several farmers raising questions about feed management and maintaining water quality.

From Insight to Action: Practical Advice for Farmers

One key discussion centered on feeding practices. Experts recommended offering feed in smaller portions, given two to four times a day, and highlighted the benefits of automatic feeders over manual labor. Regular water exchange and precise feeding help minimize waste and prevent harmful ammonia buildups. These simple steps that can dramatically improve water quality and, as a result, fish survival rates.

Empowering Farmers with New Technology

For many participants, the highlight of the event was a session featuring six industry competitors — including PT Venambak Kail Dipantara, Republik Vannamei, and Raja Nila— who showcased new equipment and technical assistance services. This session, held in hybrid format, allowed more farmers to connect with innovative solutions, even if they couldn’t attend in person.

Looking Ahead: Building Resilience and Opportunity

This was the last roadshow in the final year of the project, which runs until June 2026. Through these gatherings, smallholder farmers have gained direct access to cutting-edge technology and support, helping them implement smarter practices and strengthen their resilience in a changing environment.

As the competition wraps up, it is clear that the project’s emphasis on blending practical experience and technological innovation offers a bright future for saline tilapia farming in North Sumatra, serving as a model for sustainable aquaculture throughout the region.