Reducing On-Farm Food Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
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As many exporters are large companies with good financial resources and established links with
the EU, USA and Japanese buyers, many of the exporters are interested in and being forced to
look at developing plans for traceability and production of sustainable certified products.
However, to make the right decisions about which certification(s) to pursue, exporters may need
additional technical assistance. There is a Network for Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific
(NACA) which offers online information on many topics related to production and Better
Management Practices (BMPs). A library of downloadable documents and reports is available to
the public on the NACA website.
3.8.5. Lessons Learned from the Case Study
On-farm losses in Indonesia’s aquaculture operations were relatively low andwell managed. The
actors in the food supply chain, especially the producers, seemed aware of the possibility of
losses and the strategies to overcome them. The on-farm losses observed by key informants for
this analytical study were less than 5%. This result can be used as a good example for fish loss
reduction in any other food supply chain in Indonesia (Wibowo et al 2015) and a few lessons
can be learned. Other countries address the major causes of on-farm losses by following the
practices listed below, most of which are being used successfully in Indonesia.
 Use improved quality stocking inputs (fry, seeds, fingerings). This will address the
reduced productivity currently being experienced. Support for development of
nurseries will be needed at the national level, and perhaps some encouragement to help
them import the higher quality shrimp stock rather than cheap seeds.
 Manage diseases during production. Many types of diseases reduce productivity and can
lead to mortality. Paying attention to stocking density and disease management will lead
to increased production from the same base of operations.
 Avoid the use of poor quality feed. Poor quality foods reduce productivity. It is
recommended that aquaculture producers provide adequate nutrition to their ponds
and other water bodies, and regularly measure the rate of fish or shrimp growth to
monitor results. Test and control fungal contamination and mycotoxin levels.
 Manage and control pests and predators. Many insects and birds can eat the fish/shrimp,
so successful aquaculture includes pest control practices. Water surface can be
protected from insects with simple non-toxic soap and oil solutions.
 Avoid poor harvest timing. Paying attention to the timing of the harvest can avoid
periods of excessive heat which leads to rapid deterioration during and immediately
after harvesting and can ensure market access.
 Use ice or cold storage during delays between harvesting and selling. If delays are
anticipated between harvesting fish or shrimp and having the lot picked up by the buyer,
use of cooling (ice slurries or very cold water) can reduce the rapid deterioration of the
produce.