How Gibran Huzaifah is revolutionizing aquaculture with eFishery
Amidst the rise of disruptive tech, one champion of the waters stands out as a pioneering force reshaping Indonesia’s aquaculture sector.
As the founder and CEO of eFishery, Gibran Huzaifah has transformed fish and shrimp farming with his revolutionary smart technology and earned him a welldeserved place on Prestige Indonesia’s IT List 2023.
FROM FARMER TO INNOVATOR
Gibran established the first Aquaculture Intelligence company, eFishery, in 2013, introducing groundbreaking innovations to the aquaculture field. The company’s core vision is to disrupt traditional fish and shrimp farming methods by providing comprehensive digital solutions through an end-to-end platform. This platform encompasses access to feed, funding, and markets for fish and shrimp farmers.
As a college student, Gibran was farming catfish when he realised the critical importance of feeding management in aquaculture. He noticed that 80 per cent of the total production cost was allocated to feeding, with many farmers still relying on inefficient hand-feeding methods.
He discovered that hand-feeding posed several challenges, including uneven distribution and difficulty controlling the feeding dose. The result was fish produced of inconsistent sizes, making it challenging to meet buyer preferences. While underfeeding led to malnourished fish, overfeeding caused water pollution due to nutrient runoff.
HIGH-TECH AQUATICS
eFishery’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Today, it stands as the world’s largest aquaculture digital technology company in the sector. Gibran attributes this unprecedented success to a combination of factors.
Innovation lies at the heart of eFishery’s achievements. The company has consistently leveraged cutting-edge technology to address critical pain points in aquaculture. eFishery has empowered farmers to make informed decisions, optimise yields, and reduce risks by providing real-time data, automation, and analytics tools.
Strategic vision has also played a pivotal role. Anticipating industry trends and adapting offerings to meet evolving needs has positioned eFishery as a market leader. Continuous investment in research and development ensures their technologies remain at the forefront of innovation.
eFishery’s success is not just about numbers; it’s about changing lives. Gibran recalls a heartwarming story from one of the earliest eFishery farmers in Cirebon. This 50-year-old farmer’s life took a remarkable turn thanks to eFishery. Struggling and on the verge of bankruptcy, he was able to survive, expand his business, and send his daughters to higher education.
While the success story has been inspiring, Gibran constantly reminds himself to stay grounded. “I can’t say the journey of an entrepreneur is always smooth sailing. I have to acknowledge the problems we’ve faced along the way and will continue to face in the future. I aim to keep tackling challenges by keeping my feet on the ground,” says Gibran.
One monumental challenge he faced involved introducing technology to farmers who were not regular internet users. Educating them about the basics of the internet, from creating emails to using social media, was a significant hurdle. However, eFishery’s persistence paid off, introducing technology to rural communities and improving their livelihoods. Stories like these fuel Gibran’s determination to continue building eFishery. The tangible impact benefits farmers, rural communities, and future generations.
IMPACTING THE FUTURE
eFishery’s ambitions remain sky-high; with a valuation exceeding $1 billion, they are the first company in the aquaculture technology category to achieve this milestone. They aim to create a comprehensive aquaculture solution, empower fish and shrimp farmers, and promote sustainability.
Gibran offers simple yet profound advice for those who aspire to make a meaningful impact in technology and sustainability: “Start early and start small. It’s essential to begin focusing on business fundamentals, delivering products catering to loyal target users.”
Gibran Huzaifah’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and farmer empowerment has earned him recognition and made a tangible difference in Indonesia’s aquaculture sector. As he continues to steer eFishery toward new milestones, the future of aquaculture in Indonesia looks brighter than ever.
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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