Fatchur's Triumph:
From farmhand to farm owner

Fatchur Rochman embarked on a remarkable journey that would lead him to become a successful small-scale farmer in Jabon, Indonesia. His story is one of hard work, determination, and unwavering patience.

Pak Fatchur began his career as a shrimp farmer by working on another person’s farm. Day after day, he dedicated himself to the tasks required to maintain the farm's operations. For six years, he diligently saved a portion of his income, setting aside twenty percent of his earnings from each harvest cycle. His disciplined approach allowed him to accumulate enough funds to start his own shrimp farm.

It was a moment of triumph, a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Starting with rented ponds, he began his journey as an independent farmer. With each passing year, Pak Fatchur's income steadily increased. He initially rented ponds for shrimp farming, earning a significant income. However, as seaweed grew in the ponds, the rent price increased. He recognized this as a chance to leverage the growing market demand for seaweed as an additional revenue stream.
Reflecting on the challenges of shrimp farming, he recollects a troublesome time in 1991 when the farm was plagued by diseases, resulting in a substantial drop in shrimp production. As a result of this setback, he switched from cultivating shrimp to growing vegetables until 2009. Fatchur stresses various factors in raising shrimps, including the significance of weather conditions, as severe winds and excessive rainfall can trigger swift decay among shrimps. Despite the challenges, he adapted and took the necessary measures to mitigate the effects of such events.
After dedicating nearly twenty years of his life to understanding shrimp farming, Pak Fatchur expressed his belief that there is no difficult aspect of shrimp cultivation if one approaches it with pleasure and passion. Pak Fatchur places great importance on adhering to standards and holds a deep appreciation for organizations such as PT ATINA and their guidelines. He finds these resources easy to follow and understands their significance in upholding sustainable and responsible practices.

Fatchur's story exemplifies the power of perseverance, dedication, and adaptability. Through years of hard work, he overcame challenges, seized opportunities, and carved a path toward success as a small-scale shrimp farmer. His journey serves as an inspiration to those who aspire to achieve their dreams through sheer determination and unwavering hope.Fatchur's inspiring journey showcases the value of promoting sustainable and responsible farming practices.

The Asian Seafood Improvement Collaborative (ASIC) is a multi-stakeholder organization that provides valuable support to farmers, equipping them with resources and knowledge to navigate the complexities of shrimp farming successfully. The ASIC improvement program enables seafood stakeholders, including smallholder producers, to enhance productivity, ensure environmental and social sustainability, and meet global market demands.

This story was made possible through the support of: