THE CRUST - ISSUE #9

Ceo Chief Editor Overview

Hello readers, and welcome to June’s edition of THE CRUST! This month the Petambak Muda Indonesia (PMI) Association is holding its most prominent event in Bali. For those unfamiliar with PMI, we have organized an annual conference since 2017 to bring together farmers, feed millers, and other aquaculture industry players to connect and be updated on the latest news and information. This year is unique, however, because this is the first time we rebranded the event as the Shrimp Aquaculture Conference (SAC). It’s an excellent opportunity to meet old friends, connect with new people, and learn new stuff while having fun at the same time.

We bring speakers from around the world to present according to the latest situation and what we think are the industry’s current needs. This year we will have 14 speakers gracing the stage to bring topics ranging from plankton to shrimp health, from managing big corporations to seeking funds to fuel growth. A wide range of topics is presented to prepare farmers for present problems as well as the future. Also, we want to frame this industry in a new light. Instead of the usual mom­and­pop operation, we want to show that shrimp farming has the potential to be a big­scale industry or corporation. This is in the hope of rekindling the spirit of current farmers and attracting new investments in this sector. As shrimp farming is an aging industry and we need more young people for sustainability and regeneration.

The world is changing, and we have to adapt to it. With global conflicts still raging, economic upheaval, and diseases still haunting production. Not to mention the shift in customer behavior in choosing what they buy and eat. Hence why we decided to theme this year’s SAC as “Surviving Turbulences in Aquaculture Industry.” We have to take into account all that is hap­

pening in the world and plan for it so that we won’t be taken by surprise. Just like a plane that is about to take off needs a thorough check, we also check our readiness to face the future. We believe this is also relevant for other industries.

Preparation for an event like SAC can be challenging. It’s a back­and­forth between doing what needs to be done and ensuring we don’t forget any details. All this is done while trying to manage our farm, businesses, or other life activities. The team behind SAC does this voluntarily because they believe in the collective vision and as solidarity to the industry. So, I want to thank the team for their hard work in preparing and ensuring the event went smoothly.

Finally, for those who come to SAC2023, we hope you enjoy your time there and can bring home something to advance your business, career, or get a meaningful experience out of the event. But for those who didn’t have the opportunity to attend this year, we hope you can come to next year’s SAC. We also want to thank the sponsors, as this event wouldn’t happen without your continued support. Stay safe everyone, and keep on farming!

Rizky Darmawan Chief Editor

THE CRUST - RIZKY

Event : World Nutrition Forum 2023

The Event

The need for a sustainable approach to animal protein production is becoming more apparent in our world today. Improvements in health, food security, and safety are taking place in the context of dwindling resources, increasing affluence, and the responsibility of producers to adopt environmentally sound business practices. These are the problems that the World Nutrition Forum (WNF) 2023 discussed and is trying to solve. The WNF is an international event held biannually since 2004 to discuss animal nutrition. It is finally being held again in Cancun, Mexico, this year after a short hiatus due to Covid-19.

The World Nutrition Forum was formerly held by Biomin before they were acquired by DSM in 2020. However, exciting news broke on the opening day of the event.

Ivo Lansbergen, Executive Vice President of DSM Animal Nutrition and Health, announced for the first time the completion of the merger between DSM and Firmenich to create the new entity: dsm-firmenich. This is big news as these two are giant companies in their respective industries. With a

nearly 30,000-strong team, the world can hope that dsm-firmenich will lead in the reinvention, manufacturing, and combination of vital nutrients, flavors, and fragrances.

This year, the WNF raised the theme “GENiUS” to emphasize the industry’s need for research and new technologies to face future challenges. The organizers brought world-renowned experts and speakers to share the latest developments in their respective industries. Market trends, technological advances, precision livestock farming, nutrigenomics, regulatory frameworks, the environment, and ecology in animal production were some topics discussed at the event. The 2023 WNF offers top industry leaders and professionals the opportunity to engage with peers from across the globe and to learn from experts and each other to achieve success.

The Attendees

Over 700 delegates from around the world met at this unique event to discuss the forefront topics of modern agriculture and upcoming trends and challenges. The participants range from leading experts in

science, academia, research, veterinary medicine, animal nutrition, genetics, business, and feed manufacturing from around the world. The speakers themselves were curated from around the world to bring the best that the industry has to offer.

This year THE CRUST was lucky enough to send one of its team, Rizky Darmawan, to WNF. According to him, WNF is one of the best events in the world that discusses animal nutrition. “I am very impressed by the quality of their event production. I feel like all details were thought off thoroughly. Plus, the organizers prepared a bunch of souvenirs to commemorate the event, such as pins, tote bags, beach mats, and even rubiks cubes that show the many goals the world needs to reach to achieve sustainability,” Rizky described.

The Content

The WNF sessions were mainly broken into two parts; the first was the primary session, where all participants gathered in a gigantic ballroom and listened to the main presentations and announcements. Then there were the breakout sessions on

The excitement at WNF 2023

the first day focusing on species-specific presentations and providing a platform to delve further into poultry, swine, ruminants, and aquaculture topics. We especially enjoyed how the MC of the aquaculture session, Benedict Standen, told us a joke about how we have been focusing on animals that walks on two and four legs in the main session, while now in the aqua session, they will only focus on animals with ten legs or no legs.

The presentation topics brought by WNF were diverse and fascinating. One of the main subjects discussed there is mycotoxin and its detrimental effect on livestock performance. According to Dr. Albert Tacon from AquaHana LCC, one of the aqua speakers, mycotoxin binder should be used as a form of insurance to ensure farm performance. These mycotoxins, he added, are invisible at the farm level but can have a significant impact since one of the things they can affect is the animal’s immunity. Other speakers presented at the aqua breakout session were Mr. Ronnie Tan from USGC, Mr. Lukas Manomaitis from USSEC, Mr. Ragnar Nystøyl from Kontali, and Dr.

Louise Buttle from DSM.

Another main focus of WNF is sustainability, where they didn’t just explore it at the production level but also at the corporate management level and media. For example, one of the speakers, Bob Langert, formerly the VP of McDonald’s on sustainability, talked about how sustainability has evolved way beyond what was possible and into a mainstream business function. Corporations that have largely been on the defense are now playing offense to take their strategies and goals and make things happen.

One more breakthrough that caught our interest is the new feed additive that helps reduce methane emissions in cow’s farts. “These problems and solutions are unthinkable for people outside the industry. I’m excited to see what they can come up next that can help the world be a better place,” Rizky described.

The Festivity

Apart from the busy seminar schedules and networking sessions, the organizers did really well to ensure the attendees enjoyed themselves in Cancun. They or-

ganized multiple excursions that the participants could partake such as a visit to Cenote, Tulum, and a boat ride using the catamaran. Some people who came early also got the chance to visit Chichen Itza, a Mayan city that is also one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All of these trips were organized perfectly and were accompanied by a local tour guide fluent in English and knowledgeable about the sites.

Every day of the event ended with an amazing gala dinner filled with good food, music, and festivities. The first day ended with a Mexican-themed dinner with delicious Mexican foods, mariachi bands playing, face paintings, and dozens of types of tequilas to be enjoyed. Then, the second day ended with a dinner by the beach with bands playing cheerful songs and participants dancing on the dancefloor.

Finally, the all-inclusive resort was a nice touch to make sure all of the attendees’ needs were taken care of. And with all of that being said, everybody is looking forward to the next World Nutrition Forum. This event is undoubtedly a great learning experience and a festivity not to be missed.

Photo source : THE CRUST

THE CRUST - UTE, gemilang

School Fish

Bootleg Recirculating Aquaculture System in Vietnam Shrimp Farm: A Simple Solution to Water Quality Management

In Vietnam, shrimp farming is a major industry that provides employment and economic growth for the country. However, the conventional methods of intensive shrimp farming have led to environmental degradation and water quality issues. Bad water quality can lead to emerging shrimp diseases in the water. Shrimp diseases, such as Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) that’s found in particulates in the water, have been a significant challenge for shrimp production in Vietnam. This has led to decreased yields and increased costs for farmers.

One of the approaches that Vietnamese shrimp farmers use to mitigate this dire situation is RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture System). RAS is a closed-loop system that recirculates and treats water, reducing the need for water exchange. It helps maintain better biosecurity and control over water quality, crucial for shrimp growth. It results in better disease management and lower risk of infection. However, RAS is complex and expensive, requiring skilled labor and maintenance. Its electricity usage can increase the cost production of shrimp farming by up to 50%. This has prompted the development of the bootleg recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) as a simple solution to the problem.

The bootleg RAS is a low-cost and easy-to-use system that is designed to maintain water quality in shrimp farms. Vietnam’s Bootleg RAS design is like this: the RAS systems are placed on the available side of the pond by making a channel. The size of the RAS system is usually 5% of the shrimp Pond size and the channels were made into several smaller sections to place more mechanical filtration and increase the filtration effectiveness. fishnet then placed inside of each section and water pumps are placed in the last section for the water to be pumped back into the pond. This configuration does two things, helps polish the water to eliminate particulates in the water and creates biofilm which then helps control the ammonia and phosphate buildup in the water. One of the major benefits of the bootleg RAS is its simplicity. The system is easy to set up and operate. Fishnet can be easily taken out and cleaned while the water pump can be replaced or fixed for maintenance. The system also helps farmers in easily collecting waste sludge and eliminating it from the pond. This makes it ideal for small-scale farmers who may not have the resources or expertise to implement more complex systems. This means that farmers can build the system themselves, without having to rely on expensive equipment or outside expertise.

The use of minimal maintenance helps with the modularity of the system to be applied on each pond independently, compromising the whole operation for maintenance or biosecurity risk. Usually, RAS systems are one huge filter for the whole operation since separate filtration systems means higher investment and cost for production. but these can still pose a high risk for cross contamination and biosecurity risk that can hinder all of the production tanks. Vietnam’s bootleg RAS are applied individually for each pond, that means the risk of cross contamination is low and maintenance of each system won’t hinder all of the production site.

Another benefit of the bootleg RAS is its cost-effectiveness, not just from simple materials that are readily available in local markets, such as fish nets, but also the filtration system’s slow water flow that’s a key factor in its effectiveness in collecting sludge. This process allows the system to efficiently capture and remove particles, leaving behind clean water. Furthermore, the slow flow rate minimizes the risk of clogging and allows for longer periods of operation before maintenance is required. The Flow during the filtration time takes 1 hour Hydraulic Retention Time (HRT). With this design, Water is slowly and effectively filtered while electricity usage for the water pump is kept as low as possible. Using 5% RAS to pond Volume, in less than 24 hours, water in the pond can be fully recirculated to the filter ensuring that the water quality is maintained at all times. This system is so simple yet so effective in Vietnam, that reports of 70 tons per hectare with no partial harvest can be achieved. The system also helps with reducing water usage since the use of bootleg RAS helps with increasing water quality such as lowering the plankton in the water (thus eliminating the use of shading) and also reducing the amount of water changes. reportedly, Vietnam’s bootleg RAS design only adds water usually 3% a day just for water top up due to evaporation and also from the siphoning waste process which is amazing considering the simplicity of the system.

Overall, the bootleg RAS is a simple and effective solution to water quality management in Vietnam’s shrimp farming industry. Its ease of use and low cost make it accessible to smallscale farmers, while its simple design ensures that it can be implemented with minimal resources. As Vietnam continues to develop its aquaculture industry, the bootleg RAS may prove to be a valuable tool in promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible farming practices.

Photo source : tequisa indonesia

Protect your profits

Mitigate risk through mycotoxin deactivation

In addition to rising feed costs, mycotoxins further impact profitability by impairing growth performance and health status. The risk is never zero. Mycotoxin risk management is the insurance policy to secure feed quality and safety, whilst optimizing productivity.

Reduced risk

Increased productivity and efficiency

Sustainable production

If not us, who? If not now, when? WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE Follow

U.S. Grains Council’s Southeast Asia Aquaculture Roadshow

Shrimp Market Outlook

If we look at the historical trend of shrimp demand from 2009 to 2021, we can see an increase in the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) by 4 percent. In 2009, the global demand for shrimp was 2.9 million tons, which increased to 4.8 million tons in 2021. If we project this forward with the same CAGR, the demand for shrimp in 2030 will reach 6.8 million tons.

From the production perspective, global shrimp production between 2019 and 2022 also showed an upward trend, although the percentage of increase fluctuated. In 2019, global shrimp production reached 3.9 million tons and rise to 5.02 million tons in 2021. Asian countries dominated a significant portion of this production capacity, with Ecuador in Latin America also holding a portion.

These are the topic that was delivered by the Regional Aquaculture Consultant of U.S. Grains Council (USGC), Ronnie Tan, during the Southeast Asia Aquaculture Roadshow organized by the USGC, held in three

cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, and Jakarta (May 29thJune 2nd, 2023).

According to him, the global shrimp trend is expected to increase, but unfortunately, Asia will lose its market share. From 2009 to 2021, the dominance of Asian shrimp has declined from 81 to 64 percent. In contrast, the supply from Latin America increased from 17 to 27 percent. Further quoting Robins McIntosh from 2021’s TARS, Asia’s market share will further decline to 55 percent, while Latin America continues to grow and reach 35 percent.

The prediction of Asia’s declining dominance is attributed to several factors, including cost inefficiency in production caused by disease outbreaks resulting in high mortality rates. On the other hand, feed prices have continued to rise without a corresponding increase in selling prices.

Ronnie also added that another challenge faced by Asian producers in the global market is related to sustainability branding. Asia, in fact, has already started producing

shrimp with good and sustainable quality; however, they lack effective story branding. This presents an opportunity for shrimp or seafood associations in Asia, such as MPEDA in India and VASEP in Vietnam, to step in. Ronnie further mentioned that Asia could take inspiration from Ecuador, which has successfully branded its sustainable and high­quality shrimp.

This branding issue hits especially hard in Indonesia, which has been famous for having quality issues for a while now. One way to fix this is to start improving the cold chain of harvested shrimps and reducing the common practice of “soaking” to increase weight, especially if Indonesia wants to start targeting high­value markets such as China and the European Union.

Feed Aspect Challenges

Feed remains the determining factor for production efficiency as it constitutes the largest cost component. Recently, the average price of grow­out feed with a protein content of 36 percent has reached USD

1.25 per kg. This is exacerbated by the rising raw material prices that are not accompanied by increased shrimp prices. It raises concerns among feed producers to provide support in producing quality feed at a consistently competitive price.

In response to this issue, researchers and feed producers have actually been studying several alternative raw materials, particularly protein sources. These include options such as single­cell protein, which has a remarkably high protein content of up to 72 percent. There is also BSF’s maggot meal with a protein content of 50 percent, as well as DDGS (distillers dried grains with solubles), which contains 28 percent protein for the medium quality and 50 percent minimum for its Hi­Pro line. “But the challenge lies in considering this sustainability and the price itself. Additionally, there is also the matter of security concerning both feed and food aspects,” Ronnie added.

Another speaker focusing on feed ingredients is Dr. Daranee Seguin from Phibro Animal Health Corporation. One of the

Dean Akiyama

Ronnie Tan Daranee Seguin

highlights of Daranee’s presentation was the potential utilization of DDGS as an alternative ingredient for fish feed. She highlighted that DDGS holds various advantages, including low antinutritional factors (ANFs), competitive pricing, high energy content, and the possibility of inclusion at 20 or 30 percent (tilapia case) and supplemented with synthetic amino acids.

This is further reinforced by another speaker, Dr. Dean Akiyama, who stated that the quality of raw materials and nutritional balance are crucial because farmers cannot control which nutrients are absorbed or digested by the shrimp on a daily basis. Therefore, the feed nutrition needs to be balanced, highly palatable, and digestible, with lower total nitrogen and phosphorus content to effectively maintain the water quality in the pond. “It is more difficult and more expensive to make a lower protein feed with the same amount of available EAA (essential amino acid) and available phosphorous as compared to a higher protein feed

with higher total phosphorous,” Dean revealed.

Another way to increase feed efficiency is by using better methods, as explained by Dr. Thomas Wilson, an independent nutrition consultant presenting about the extrusion method of aquafeed. He highlighted that feed manufacturing by extrusion is more costly than pellet mill. Yet, it is a very versatile method that makes it possible to produce any highly digestible feed in virtually any form (floating, sinking, or slow-sinking) or shape (flake, cylinder, sphere).

Thomas further emphasized the importance of using the appropriate extruder and having a good understanding of the ingredients and their functional properties. This knowledge enables us to choose ingredients that provide the essential nutrients at optimal levels, maximize production rates to improve cost­effectiveness, minimize waste during manufacturing, reduce factory shrinkage, and ensure consistent product quality while reducing rejected items.

System and Technology Adoption

Other than Feed and market updates, the USGC Aquaculture Roadshow also features a couple of speakers discussing about technological and practical updates at the farm level. The two were Rizky Darmawan, who shared about shrimp farming, and Amorn Luengnaruemitchai, who gave an update about tilapia farming.

Rizky Darmawan, CEO of Delta Marine Indonesia, was another speaker that presented at the event. There he shared valuable insights from his experience transforming shrimp farming systems and technologies in Indonesia. Rizky discussed the evolution of pond types, ranging from simple square­shaped earthen ponds to circular ponds with a multiphase system.

According to him, innovation in shrimp farming systems is necessary for farmers to survive in this changing environment. Rather than being treated as an art, farming should adhere to scientific principles to improve production stability. He

also highlighted two concepts for the future of shrimp farming: Integrated Multi­Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) and the use of renewable energy. Rizky concluded by emphasizing the significance of acquiring comprehensive knowledge and taking responsibility for continuous improvements in the industry to ensure its progress and reduce its carbon footprint.

Lastly, Amorn Luengnaruemitchai, Managing Director of Manit Genetics, provided an update on genetics in tilapia. Amorn discussed the role of genetic improvement through breeding programs in enhan cing the productivity of tilapia in Thailand. Over a span of 30 years, the program has successfully increased the resistance of red and Nile tilapia against Streptococcus by 7.1 and 9 percent, respectively. According to Amorn, enhan cing the performance of tilapia is crucial for improving cost efficiency for farmers, consi dering the narrow profit margins they typically face, which are only around 10 ­ 15 percent.

Thomas Wilson Amorn Luengnaruemitchai

Rizky Darmawan

Market Wet

The Unseen Iceberg: Hidden Risks in the Indonesian Shrimp Industry’s Dependence on the US Market

The Indonesian shrimp industry, a vital player in the global aquaculture sector, has long fostered a prosperous relationship with the US market. However, beneath this seemingly beneficial alliance, hidden risks lurk, threatening to capsize the industry. This article aims to illuminate these unseen perils and underscore the urgent imperative for diversification.

Indonesia, an esteemed global shrimp producer, heavily depends on exporting over 70% of its shrimp to the US. While this has yielded considerable economic gains, it also exposes the industry to a precarious position. Relying heavily on a single market leaves the industry susceptible to substantial risks. This diminishes its bargaining power, often necessitating further reductions in farmgate prices. The ensuing pressure impedes growth, potentially triggering a downward spiral of diminishing returns.

The Indonesian shrimp industry is presently witnessing a waning competitive advantage against rival producer nations. Our shrimp products face dwindling favorability, compounded by the ongoing economic downturn in the US, which has led to buyers’ cold storage facilities reaching capacity. Failure to secure contracts could result in a supply chain deadlock, rendering farmed shrimp unsellable. Such an outcome could inflict catastrophic losses, crip-

pling the industry and jeopardizing the livelihoods of thousands of farmers and their communities.

Diversification is not a mere choice; it has become an urgent necessity. It serves as a vital buffer, alleviating the pressures and risks associated with an overreliance on a single market. Diversifying empowers the industry to navigate market fluctuations without succumbing to catastrophic consequences. Moreover, it bolsters the industry’s bargaining power, negating the constant need for price reductions. In essence, diversification is a strategic maneuver that can stabilize the industry and pave the path for sustainable growth.

Given the challenges and risks confronting the Indonesian shrimp industry, prioritizing diversification becomes paramount. Stakeholders must proactively embrace measures to fortify the industry’s resilience and drive growth amidst the uncertainties of the global market. Specific recommendations include exploring untapped export markets, investing in value-added shrimp products, promoting local consumption, and embracing sustainable aquaculture practices. By embracing diversification, the industry can secure a prosperous and sustainable future for all stakeholders involved.

Photo source : emma francis, annie spratt, shawnanggg

THE CRUST - DENNY

Tilapia Farming in Thailand: an Excellent IMTA Case Study

The U.S. Grains Council (USGC) held the Southeast Asia Aquaculture Roadshow event in 3 countries: Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia. Not just attending the seminar, the speakers were also given the chance to visit two of the many tilapia farms in Bangkok. There, the group learns about tilapia farming practices, which also incorporate the Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) system in their operation.

Amorn Luengnaruemitchai, Managing Director of Manit Genetics Co. Ltd. Was, one of the speakers at the USGC event that gave the initiative to bring the group to the two farms. As information, Manit Group is one of the comprehensive aquaculture organizations in Thailand with multiple operations in the aquaculture supply chain. One of their operations is breeding and hatching high­quality Nile and red tilapia fry/fingerlings.

Tilapia Farm Management

Visiting the two tilapia farms was an interesting unplanned agenda and a nice break between the bustling event schedule. While we visited, the owner of the farm and his team welcomed us and explained their operation thoroughly with the help of Mrs. Daranee Seguin as the translator. On the first farm, the farmer explained that they started stocking their nursery ponds with 0,3 grams fry obtained from Manit Group. He told us how he stocked his ponds with Manit’s fry because they trusted the company, having worked together for a long time while running their 20 ponds farm. After three months, the tilapia fry grew to 100 grams and then transported to their grow-out ponds for six months, where they will grow up to 1,2-1,3 kg MBW and be harvested. The transfer from nursery to grow out itself is no easy feat. He told us that the nursery pond is 3 hours away and has zero salinity. To transport the fingerlings, they must use big tanks with oxygen injected to keep the fish alive. The second farm, however, didn’t use a nursery system; he stocks using 1 gram fry and harvests them at 800 grams after eight months.

Before applying the two-stage system (nursery and grow out), the first farmer claims that the average survival rate (SR)

is lower. One of the reasons is due to bird predation. He further explains that when he was still using the direct stocking method, growing the fish to the desired size took up to one year. Now that he has applied the nursery system for all his ponds, he claims that he can get 75-80% SR in his nursery stage and 80-90% SR post nursery in his production ponds depending on the weather; usually, more diseases and stresses come with hotter weather.

Despite having a tropical climate, some weather conditions in Thailand are not well suited for growing tilapia. In general, tilapia prefer colder temperatures to live well. The farmers explained that the temperature ranges from 21°C when it is considered cold and 32°C when it is hot. As mentioned, the hot season is when many diseases hit; one of the most common diseases in tilapia farming is streptococcosis, caused by the streptococcus bacteria. Another disadvantage of the hot season is the effect on feed intake. Typically, the fish don’t eat as much in the hotter season, further staggering its growth. For those reasons, farmers in Thailand prefer to stock around August when it is cold.

Tilapia farmers in Thailand typically stock 500 pcs/rai in their ponds. But they are now starting to test stocking with higher density up to around 800pcs/rai. However, the farmers noticed that they now have a

higher size variation at harvest than when they stocked less. As for their pond size, their nursery ponds and grow out ponds are actually the same size. Their ponds typically are 20 rai, or about 3,2 hectares per pond, with a depth of 1,5 meters. However, the difference is that the nursery ponds are equipped with lines on top of them to fend off birds.

The farmers’ feeding methods in tilapia farms are also fascinating. Because the ponds are so big, farmers must use rafts or boats to distribute their feed manually. While the group was there, the farmer demonstrated feeding by throwing the feeds from the side, and we were amazed by how many fishes flocked near to get some food. Another way similar to the shrimp farming industry is by employing auto feeders in the pond. Some tilapia farmers use mechanical auto feeders that distribute feed in intervals. Still, the most traditional way to stagger feed distribution is by incorporating “feed wells” in some parts of the ponds. These wells are then filled with feed so the fish can nibble and take some when hungry.

Both farms that we visited use commercial feed in their operation. Coincidentally, both farms use Manit’s high­quality feed, though they use it more later due to its higher price than other commercial feed. Farmer1 uses more of Manit’s high­quality feed because he believes it gives them better performance. He argues that by doing this, the fish can grow faster and reach the target weight in just five months, cutting the cycle by one whole month. However, some farms, like the second farm, combine commercial and natural feeds. Instead

The two farms visited use commercial feed in their operations

of feeding its crop with commercial feed throughout the cycle, the second farm also gives rice bran during some feeding hours to cut costs.

For comparison, lower quality feed in Thailand costs around 350 Bath per 20 kg bag, while medium quality feed costs about 535 baht. Finally, the feed sold by Manit is priced at around 660 baht per bag. This price variation is also due to the crude protein (CP) content inside the feed, with the lower quality having only 15.5% CP, the medium with 25% CP, and the higher quality feed having 30% CP. Despite the high price point, both farmers still decided to use the more expensive feed due to its proven result, starting to use it when the fish is at 700 grams. They add that when using other feed, they can only get fish growth of around 300 grams/month, while when using Manit’s feed, they can get up to 500 grams of growth per month.

Polyculture with Shrimp and Other Fishes

In both tilapia farms, the owner incorporates other species in their ponds. The first farm grows five species in its ponds: tilapia, common carp, bighead carp, rohu, and vannamei, with tilapia as the main crop. The second farm is similar to the first, but he adds one more species to the mix: the milkfish.

In the farmer’s explanation, they incorporate multiple species to create a self-supporting balanced ecosystem in their ponds as well as to generate more profit. For example, the common carp stocked is also used to clean the pond bottom due to their behavior. Then, the bighead carp is used to clean the middle part of the water column. The last example is the vannamei, which they put inside to help

cash flow and maximize profit.

For the carps, the farmers usually harvest them at the end of the cycle. The bighead carp, for example, can grow up to 5-6 kg in a year. They generally gather the pond by pumping out the water, including the fish, and catching them at the end of the pump. On average, the first farm can get up to 1 tonne of tilapia per rai and about 500 kg of other fish per rai. If calculated with the overall production, the FCR in this system goes just below 1.

The most exciting part of this system is how they stock the vannamei. The farmers stock them gradually. The first farmer, for example, stocks vannamei at 10.000 PLs/ rai in the first month. He then keeps stocking more vannamei at 5.000 Pls/rai each month. However, by the end of the second month after the first stocking, the farmer starts to harvest the vannamei using net traps and underwater lights. By doing this, he can get 10-20 kg each time and sell it to the local market. But he has to stop stocking two months before the tilapia’s final harvest to ensure the shrimp grow to a marketable size at the end of the cycle.

In this IMTA system, vannamei is used as the profit driver. It is believed that growing vannamei with other fishes can reduce the occurrence of shrimp diseases. That way, the farmers can have a more stable shrimp harvest compared to if they are doing monoculture. The second farm we visited was further supported by retelling his experience on how if shrimp harvest is good, it can cover all of the feed cost for that cycle; so, the rest of the fish that will be harvested becomes profit.

Tilapia Market

When harvest time comes, the farmers will call the harvesting team to grade and

weigh their crops and transport them to the target market. Currently, the local market price in Thailand is stable and tends to increase. At the visit, the price for 1 kg tilapia at farmgate was 45 baht. This price applies to tilapia ranging from 700 gr up to 1,5 kg per fish. However, above 1,5 kg up to 2kg per fish, the price drops down to 35 baht. Above 2 kg, the farmers wouldn’t be able to sell because the market for that size doesn’t exist.

The tilapia buyers will then have to differentiate between the bigger fish and the smaller ones. The bigger ones must be sold to processors to become fillets, while the smaller fish goes to the local market. All other species other than tilapia generally go to the local market.

Another factor that needs to be taken into account when selling tilapia to the market is geosmin. Geosmin is a compound that gives the flesh of the fish an earthy and musty odor when eaten. This is a problem when selling the fish to the processing since they usually reject these shipments when found. However, the locals are now used to this smell, so it no longer becomes problematic. The ones who mind the smell usually won’t buy tilapia, but the ones who can tolerate it are the primary consumers since they already came to expect this.

THE CRUST - UTE, RIZKY

Currently, the local market price in Thailand is stable and tends to increase

Time Break The Spirit of Mexico: Tequila!

Nestled in the heart of Mexico lies a liquid jewel that has captivated the world with its rich history, distinctive flavors, and vibrant culture. Tequila, the iconic spirit born from the blue agave plant, has garnered global recognition as a symbol of Mexican tradition and craftsmanship. Its allure extends far beyond mere cocktails, captivating enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike with its fascinating production process, diverse varieties, and profound cultural significance.

Originating from the fertile lands of Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila, this beloved beverage has an intriguing story that dates back centuries. It finds its roots in the ancient practices of the indigenous peoples, who revered the agave plant for its versatile uses and considered it a sacred gift from the gods. Through a meticulous process of harvesting, fermenting, and distilling the agave’s sweet sap, these early distillers crafted what we now know as tequila, a spirit that embodies the essence of Mexico itself.

Tequila’s rise to international prominence can be attributed to the dedication and passion of countless generations who have

refined and perfected its production techniques. The cultivation of blue agave, which takes several years to reach maturity, requires the perfect balance of sun, soil, and skill. The expertise of the jimadores, the agave farmers who harvest the plants, is vital in ensuring the quality and authenticity of the spirit. They skillfully extract the agave’s piñas, the heart of the plant, which are then transformed into tequila through a carefully orchestrated process.

Once the piñas are harvested, they are slowly cooked to convert the plant’s starches into fermentable sugars. The resulting juice is then fermented and distilled, showcasing the mastery of the maestros tequileros, the master distillers who carefully monitor the process.

There are many varieties of tequila, from the flavored ones with coffee, mango, habanero, and other unique tastes. Then there are classifications based on the time the spirit is aged in barrels, often made of oak, which lend unique flavors and character to the final product. These aged tequilas are categorized as Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo.

Blanco Tequila Añejo Tequila Extra Añejo Tequila Reposado Tequila

Blanco, also known as Silver or Plata, is the purest expression of tequila. It is typically unaged or aged for a very short period, allowing its vibrant and fresh flavors to shine through. Blanco tequila retains the true essence of the agave plant, offering crisp, herbal, and citrus notes. Its color is clear and transparent, making it an excellent choice for cocktails that require a clean, agave-forward profile.

Reposado translates to “rested” in Spanish, and this variety of tequila undergoes a maturation process in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year. This aging imparts a golden hue to the spirit and introduces more complex flavors. Reposado tequila strikes a balance between the bright agave flavors of Blanco and the richer, oak-infused notes of Añejo. It often exhibits a harmonious blend of caramel, vanilla, spice, and agave, resulting in a smoother and more rounded taste profile.

Añejo, meaning “aged” in Spanish, represents a higher level of sophistication and refinement. This tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three years. The extended aging process allows the spirit to develop deep amber or mahogany hues and complex flavors. Añejo tequilas are characterized by their velvety texture, rich caramel and toffee notes, hints of dried fruit, and a subtle spiciness. The aging imparts a mellow and smooth character, making it a popular choice for sipping neat or enjoying on the rocks.

Introduced in 2006, Extra Añejo is the newest category of tequila defined by the Mexican government. This classification represents tequilas aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. Extra Añejo tequilas showcase an exceptional level of depth, complexity, and elegance. They possess a dark amber color and exhibit intense flavors of oak, chocolate, roasted nuts, and dried fruits, accompanied by a lingering, luxurious finish. Extra Añejo tequilas are often regarded as the pinnacle of tequila craftsmanship and are savored like fine spirits such as aged whiskies and brandies.

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Beyond its craftsmanship, tequila is deeply intertwined with Mexican culture and heritage. It is celebrated in festivals, traditional ceremonies, and lively gatherings, where friends and families come together to share moments of joy and toast to life. Tequila’s cultural significance extends beyond borders, as it has become a symbol of festivity, hospitality, and the vibrant spirit of Mexico that has captured the world’s imagination. So next time you go for a night our. Give Tequila a try!

Photo source : garreth paul, rudy prather, mary west, fred crandon

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