Agriculture & Fish Farming in Bali: Practices & Methods
Bali, Indonesia, is known for its rich agricultural traditions and sustainable farming practices, blending ancient techniques with modern innovations. The island’s fertile volcanic soil, tropical climate, and abundant water sources make it ideal for rice farming, organic agriculture, and aquaculture.
1. Agriculture in Bali
A. Traditional Rice Farming (Subak System) 🌾
- Bali’s “Subak” system is a 1,000-year-old irrigation method that channels water from mountain lakes and springs.
- Terraced rice fields like Tegalalang & Jatiluwih optimize land use on hilly terrain.
- Crop Rotation: Farmers grow vegetables, beans, and spices after the rice harvest to maintain soil fertility.
Sustainable Practices:
✅ Organic fertilizers (compost, manure) instead of chemicals
✅ Integrated pest management using ducks to eat pests
✅ Multiple rice harvests per year due to tropical climate
B. High-Value Crops & Organic Farming 🌱
- Fruits: Mangosteen, bananas, papaya, dragon fruit, durian
- Spices: Clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla (exported globally)
- Coconut Farming: Used for oil, water, and coir products
Modern Trends:
✅ Agroforestry: Mixing fruit trees, coffee, and spices for biodiversity
✅ Permaculture Farming: Sustainable, organic, and self-sufficient farms
✅ Urban Farming: Hydroponics and vertical farming for hotels & restaurants
2. Fish Farming & Aquaculture in Bali 🐠
A. Marine & Coastal Aquaculture 🦐
- Shrimp & Prawn Farming: Export-oriented, mainly vannamei shrimp
- Seaweed Farming: In Nusa Lembongan & Nusa Penida, used for cosmetics & food
- Pearl Farming: Conducted in Lombok & North Bali
- Milkfish & Grouper Farming: Done in coastal areas
Sustainable Practices:
✅ Eco-friendly shrimp farming (reducing mangrove destruction)
✅ Floating sea cages for fish farming (reducing overfishing pressure)
✅ Integrated Fish & Rice Farming (MINAPADI) – Fish grow in rice paddies, fertilizing fields naturally
B. Inland & Freshwater Fish Farming 🎣
- Tilapia, Catfish, & Koi Farming – Done in ponds and reservoirs
- Aquaponics Systems – Fish + vegetable farming in controlled environments
Sustainable Practices:
✅ Biofloc Technology: Reduces water use, reuses waste
✅ Floating Fish Cages in Lakes: Popular in Lake Batur & Lake Beratan
✅ Organic Fish Farming: Avoids antibiotics & chemicals
3. How to Adapt Bali’s Farming Techniques Elsewhere?
- Adopt the Subak irrigation model for water-efficient rice farming
- Use permaculture & agroforestry for mixed farming in small spaces
- Invest in sustainable fish farming like biofloc & aquaponics
- Grow high-value crops (spices, coconut, and fruits) for export potential