Financial Feasibility and Water Quality Analysis of Milkfish (Chanos sp.) Farms in Karangsong Village, Indramayu, West Java Relita Novianti(a*), Aldiano Rahmadya(a), Ahmad Y. Afandi(a), Denalis Rohaningsih(a), Bahroin I. Tampubolon(b)
a) Research Centre for Limnology, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Cibinong 16911, West Java, Indonesia
b) Department of Resources and Environmental Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, IPB University, Jln. Agatis Kampus IPB Darmaga, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
Abstract
The tidal flood in the coastal region of Indramayu in 2020 led to a failed Vannamei shrimp harvest for farmers in Karangsong Village. Following this disaster, farmers switched to cultivating milkfish. Evaluating whether this shift can offset the previous losses requires assessing the feasibility and profitability of the new farming approach. Following the APHA standard method, water quality sampling was performed at various pond locations. We analyzed multiple water quality parameters including temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia. Concurrently, a cost-benefit analysis was conducted to evaluate financial viability. Data for this analysis was gathered through structured face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to assess the impact of changes in fish production and feed prices. Results indicate that the water quality supports safe milkfish cultivation. Furthermore, the new aquaculture system demonstrates financial feasibility, supported by positive net present value, benefit-cost ratio, and internal rate of return calculations.
Keywords: aquaculture, financial feasibility, milkfish, water quality
