Minapadi”, Indonesia’s term for “rice-fish farming” has been practiced for generations in Indonesia, and many other parts of East and South-East Asia. Unfortunately, with the introduction of ‘modern’ intensive farming techniques, especially those that include the use of pesticides, the fish and other aquatic animals that traditionally kept the rice fields in a healthy condition, died, and the practice was slowly forgotten.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in close collaboration with the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries started to revive the traditional wisdom of Minapadi through the introduction of an innovative method called: “Innovative Rice Fish Farming based on a Cluster Approach”. The innovative technique was introduced in Sleman District, Yogyakarta and Limapuluh Kota District, West Sumatra, covering about 25 ha in each location.

Within a short time, the innovative approach demonstrated that traditional wisdom combined with modern planting material and techniques has brought triple-win benefits to the farmers, farmer groups and their families. Rice production increased, incomes went up, and levels of nutrition have started to improve.

The average rice yield increased from 6.5 tonnes/ha to 9.3 tonnes/ha with higher quality rice as farmers can sell the rice as “healthy rice”. Also, the sale of fish reached as much as Rp 42 million per ha per season. Importantly, the innovative rice-fish farming system uses a sustainable “ecosystem approach” through zero pesticides and significantly reduced levels of chemical fertilizers.

Life changing experience

Sigit Paryono (46), works as farmer ever since he graduated from high school in Cibluk village, Sleman district Yogyakarta. Right after his graduation, he started taking care of the small rice field that he inherited from his parent. “Ever since I graduated high school at the age of 17, I’ve worked as farmer. I really didn’t have any option. I want to work in another profession, but I can not do anything else, “ he said.

Sigit has got married when he was nineteen, and has a son and daughter. The income from 5000 sqm rice field was very small. At that time, Sigit struggled to feed his young family. “The income back then was barely enough to eat. We could not afford to buy anything. It was even difficult for me to send my kids to school, “ Sigit looked back at his past.

In 2011, Sigit once tried to practice ricefish farming because he wanted to increase his income. But, he was failed. It was not seriously managed. In 2013, he met with officials from Sleman district fisheries agency. Since then, they have worked closely and assist him with the rice farming.

“They provided me a loan, so I could start the rice fish business. So far the results are beyond my expectation, “ he added
Supported by FAO, Sleman fishery agency officials trained Sigit to practice rice fish farming. They also provided Sigit with many items to support the rice fish farming activity like fish pellets and good quality of fish food, including net to protect fish from predators.

“After working together with FAO, we have noticed a lot of improvements. That’s given me as an extension officer, a lot of confidence in conducting the training for rice fish farming. The farmers feel the project is successful as well, because the results are excellent,” said Sleman fishery agency official Muhammad Irfan.

Sigit explained rice fish farming is simply planting rice and breeding fish at the same time. “”They will benefit from each other the fish eat the insects from the rice field, and the rice field is fertilized by the natural fish feces. The paddy quality is better, because the weeds and bugs are eaten by the fish, “explained Sigit.

Sigit used to earn 112 $ for every 100 sqm but with rice fish farming his income increased until around $ 370. “My gross income now can reach $ 2500, but I have to pay salary to my friends who help me. So I can get around 800 USD, “
Sigit said that he feels proud that his friends work with him in rice fish farming activities. “They don’t need to go to the city to get a job, and they can work here and get money. We eat together, we work hard together, and there is a happiness that we share. We are like family, “

Sigit rice fish farm now has increased from only 5000 sqm to a hectare. With the extra income Sigit can buy more land, a motorcycle, and he is able to send his kids to school. “I only graduated from high school, but now my daughter has taken master degree in the university,” said Sigit proudly.