RADAR TULUNGAGUNG – The gourami farming rainy season Indonesia story of Basiran, head of Balesono Village in Tulungagung, shows how local leaders often sustain livelihoods beyond public office. Alongside his duties as village chief, Basiran raises around 2,000 gourami fish in ponds near his home.

Each morning, he checks the water surface and feeds the fish before or after handling village administration. He treats aquaculture as a steady income source that helps stabilize household finances.

However, the monsoon months create serious challenges for freshwater fish farmers. Heavy rainfall quickly alters pond water quality and increases the risk of pests and disease outbreaks.

Therefore, Basiran applies stricter pond management after each harvest. He drains and cleans the pond thoroughly, refills it with fresh water, and then lets it sit for about 10 days before restocking fingerlings.
“If the pond is not rested first, disease appears easily,” he said.

Moreover, Basiran inspects the ponds every day despite his busy schedule as village chief. If he finds dead fish, he immediately removes them and applies treatment to prevent infection from spreading.

He believes careful observation determines half of aquaculture success. Consistent monitoring, he said, allows farmers to respond quickly to changing weather and water conditions during the rainy season.

Meanwhile, market conditions have recently improved for gourami producers. Over the past two months, prices in Tulungagung have risen from about Rp31,000 to roughly Rp32,500 per kilogram.

The increase follows reduced supply after some farmers switched to other commodities. Although the gain appears modest, Basiran said the higher price still strengthens household income. Gourami remains popular for ceremonies and restaurant menus across the region.

For Basiran, gourami farming means more than profit. Watching small fingerlings grow to harvest size brings personal satisfaction and a sense of balance amid administrative pressures.

He sees the ponds as a space to practice patience and consistency. In his view, both village leadership and fish farming require attention, discipline, and long-term commitment, especially during unpredictable rainy seasons.