According to the Head of the Cijeruk BRPBATPP Installation and Instructor, Aditiya Nugraha, the demand for torsoro (mahseer) fish continues to increase, especially in the Jabotabek area, along with the trend of healthy food consumption and the need for alternative protein. Torsoro has a wide market share, both as a fish for consumption and as an exclusive ornamental fish.
Met at the farming location in Ciburial Village-Sumedang, Dedin Khoerudin, Head of UPR Mina Kancra Ciburial, revealed that the demand for this fish seed continues to flow. Not only is the torsoro large, the price of the seed is also relatively high on the market. Dedin said that 3-4 cm seeds are sold for IDR 5 thousand per fish, 5-6 cm for IDR 7 thousand, and 8-10 cm can reach IDR 12 thousand per fish.
On the other hand, the Main Expert Researcher in the Field of Fish Feed Nutrition and Technology at the Fisheries Research Center, Earth and Maritime Research Organization, BRIN, Professor Mas Tri Djoko Sunarno explained that torsoro, which is also known by various local names such as dewa fish, kancra, and tambra, has a high socio-cultural value. “In some areas, this fish is part of traditional ceremonies or served as a special dish,” said Tri Djoko, his nickname. With a selling price reaching IDR 800 thousand – 1 million per kilogram, this fish is much more profitable than other freshwater fish.
In reality, the high demand is not comparable to the population in nature which continues to decline. This makes torsoro culture increasingly potential. Tri Djoko explained to the TROBOS Aqua team that in the past year, the practice of cultivating this fish has grown rapidly with various systems, such as fast-flowing water pools, flowing pools, and floating net cages. In addition, fish seeds can now be produced in a controlled manner, one of which is at the UPR (People’s Seeding Unit) Mina Kancra Ciburial, Sumedang-West Java (Jabar).
Despite having a high selling value, torsoro fish culture faces several major challenges. One of them is the relatively slow growth compared to other fish such as tilapia and carp.
