PADANG, WEST SUMATERA — “Joining the Dompet Dhuafa Tilapia fish farming is very helpful, very helpful and becomes a livelihood too. Because it was very fitting, at that time there was Covid-19 and my father (husband) was laid off,” said Reni (48), one of the beneficiaries of the Kampuang Nila program of Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang Branch.
When I met her that afternoon, Thursday (6/10/2022), she was seen busy feeding on the edge of the tilapia farming pond. He spread the feed to all corners of the pond so that it was evenly distributed. While occasionally he revealed, doing tilapia farming, he had done since Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang was present and gave birth to an economic empowerment program in Kampung Pinang RT 01 / RW 01 Lambuang Bukik Village, Pauh District, Padang City.
“In the past, my father and I were also in the fields (farming), selling vegetables on Saturdays and Sundays. Dompet Dhuafa came, we joined the Kampuang Nila program. Initially in 1 (one) group there were 5 (five) people, then it grew to 10 people. Now there are still 6 (six) people, because the 4 (four) are starting to stand alone, “said the mother who has 5 (five) children.
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Once harvested, the amount of tilapia can reach 300 kg to 500 kg. This is done within 5 months with normal water conditions. This is because the Kampuang Nila program in Kampung Pinang uses running water. Whereas the water condition is not normal, it is murky due to continuous rain, or small flowing water.
“Alhamdulillah, I have extra money and help my father with his income. During the harvest, we have never lost money, but the least harvest is at least a return on capital,” Reni admitted.
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For Reni, joining the Nila Jaya Berkah Group in the Kampuang Nila program is very beneficial. While doing activities at home and selling vegetables, she can also help her husband earn additional income, as the family’s daily needs increase.
“The profit from this fish is saved. Especially when my son, who is now studying in Aceh, graduates, I want and need to go there. Hopefully this Kampuang Nila program will grow. Thank you to Dompet Dhuafa Donors,” she added.
The Tilapia fish farming program in Kampung Pinang has been inaugurated since February 6, 2020. At that time, Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang rolled out assistance in the form of seeds, feed, as well as training and group recitation. Yes, Lambuang Bukik Village is known as an area with a swift water tilapia fish business, as well as considerable tilapia potential.
“Tilapia farming is here to help improve the economy of the community, especially the residents of Lambuang Bukik, in the form of an economic program targeting 25 beneficiaries. For the Kampung Pinang area, there are 5 beneficiaries with the help of 50 thousand tilapia seeds,” explained Hadie Bandarian Syah as Branch Manager of Dompet Dhuafa Singgalang. (Dompet Dhuafa / Dhika Prabowo)