Catfish Farchan popularized in Borneo

First, catfish did not glance at Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan. Consumers assume that fish live in dirty environments. However, Farchan Slamet (38) together with fish farmers to change that stigma. Now, he even overwhelmed serve requests catfish.

Narrated Farchan, catfish rejected because consumers revolted. Lele thought to be maintained in a place that is not hygienic. Some communities in certain areas not even think of catfish fishing.

Farchan maintain catfish since 2002. However, the negative outlook it makes Farchan hard sell catfish. It offers to the seller catfish fishing, but was rejected. Farchan transferred to the target store managers tent, but they were reluctant to accept lele. "He said, catfish meat rubbery. Dirty again. Finally, my first love catfish to 10 stall tent. Pay later, "said Farchan.

Each stall tents were given 2 kilograms (kg) catfish. That was only five tent shop manager agrees. "If sold, the new paid. Not sold, do not pay. Catfish as worthless. To waste, "said Farhan. The father of Saturn Alifardani M (11) and M Fathoni Putrafardani (8) it back two days later. Apparently it thrusts tent shop manager requests additional catfish.

He did whatever he could to catfish consumed more widely. Because of this, he also embraced the fish farmers to grow catfish. For the sake of stimulating interest of farmers, Farchan staked its survival. He gave the assurance, catfish must be purchased. "But, if catfish is not for sale, I was broke. Thus, the market should continue to look for, "he recalls.

He also faced public antipathy toward making catfish with shredded and crackers. After eating, they are expected to eat catfish. Regular orders Farchan finally obtained in 2005 about 5 quintals per month with a subscription manager shop tent. Along with that, the fish farmers Farchan partners continue to grow to 300 people today.

Catfish production capacity of Farchan and his colleagues around 750 kg per week. Very positive response in the catfish indicated by the magnitude of customer demand. Catfish that can meet the new Farchan supplied 25 percent of total demand.

Total catfish is required up to 3 tons per week. Farchan channel catfish to 35 customers, ranging from tent shop, restaurant, hotel, until the fish cannery. In Central Kalimantan, Farchan supplying catfish to Palangkaraya and Lamandau District, East Kotawaringin, Joyless Kingdom, South Barito, and Gunung Mas.

Market in Jakarta, Jakarta, to Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, was encroached upon. Unfortunately, Farchan said, the road from Central Kalimantan, West Kalimantan have not been able to penetrate. He believes the market could be reached West Kalimantan. "The ratio of demand and stocks are now farther away. A year ago, consumers are asking for 100 kg per month, for example, were given only 50 kg. Now, can not be at all, "said Farchan.

Good prospects

A very good prospect of making more catfish farmer spirit. Price catfish farmers around Rp 11,000 per kg and in the market $ 20,000-Rp 25,000 per kg. "Higher than average prices in the Java Rp 8,000-Rp 10,000 and Rp 13,000 on farmers per kg in the market," said Farchan.

In fact, today there are buyers who appreciate the Palangkaraya catfish at the farm level amounting to Rp 20,000 per kg. Now many people who keep catfish in Palangkaraya. Farchan did not hesitate to give seeds as a stimulus. "Sometimes, I give 100 individuals for each farmer. I provide input to develop the business to be successful, "he said.

Risk is always there. Several times a payment was due. In fact, catfish have spread the seeds in the pool of buyers. "Most of the loss in 2007. Not be taken back because the seeds can die. But, after being released, the obligation was paid Rp 7.5 million, "he continued.

Fluctuations in the price of catfish is often detrimental to farmers. Farchan seeks to prevent that risk by setting a price of Rp 11,500 per kg on the farmers and sell Rp 14,000 per kg to the restaurant. Because want to keep the price, not infrequently Farchan losers.

He began trying to produce seed of catfish in 2008. Farchan also invites farmers could do the same. "In addition, after two years I have also added commodities, namely carp, and his request was a lot," said Farchan.

Expectations Isnaeni husband (38) which has not been achieved is to make Palangkaraya as an exporter of fish. There are still many derelict land that can be utilized. Large production will encourage establishment of industries.

Men born in Karachi, East Java, March 16, 1973, the daydream, the products are marketed not only shredded and crackers, but also canned fish to smoke. "Exports of smoked fish. Not export the smoke from forest fires, "he said with a laugh Farchan.