UMM FPP Professional Class Assesses Challenges of Shrimp Cultivation

Heny Budi Utari explained that 90% of aquatic aquaculture deaths are caused by disease. (Photo: Istimewah)

To support the government in implementing the Independent Learning-Independent Campus (MBKM) Program, the Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (FPP) of the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) held a particular class for Prawn Professionals. On Monday (09/08), this class invited two online experts to discuss challenges in shrimp farming. The activity was attended by students who are interested in the field of shrimp farming.

Head of TS and Training Center from PT. Suri Tani Pemuka, Sarwana, said that overfeeding and disease are two of the problems in shrimp farming. The speaker from the Aquafeed Division said that feeding generally uses the traditional method of stocking. This has the potential that some of the feed does not arrive and is not eaten by the shrimp.

"This will trigger disease due to the accumulation of leftover feed waste at the bottom of the pond. For that, it is time for farmers to switch to an intensive cultivation system to maximize profits," said Sarwana.

To overcome this problem, shrimp farmers can use a tool called an auto-feeder machine. This machine is equipped with components that can adjust to feeding slowly at certain time intervals and within a predetermined duration. This automatic setting makes it easier for farmers to control the amount of feed given to shrimp. With controlled feed, it is hoped to reduce the waste of leftover feed at the bottom of the pond. So that later, it can maintain the quality of the water where the shrimp are cultivated.

"Nevertheless, auto feeder technology still has several weaknesses. One of which is the machine's feed can be ejected outside the pond area, especially if the pool is too small. In addition, during the rainy season, sometimes the feed pellets tend to be sticky due to being wet, so they cannot come out of the machine," said Sarwana.

Meanwhile, Head Div. FM Technical Service & Lab from CP. Prima, Dr.Ir. Heny Budi Utari, MSi, explained that 90% of deaths in aquaculture are caused by disease. To overcome this problem, the application of biosecurity is a solution that is worth trying. You can start with good feed and waste management. By minimizing the remaining feed waste at the bottom of the pond, the health of the shrimp will also be better.

"It's time for farmers to implement health management in this aquaculture. For household-scale farmers, try to have tools to control water quality to minimize disease. Call it a water transparency check tool, a pH meter, and a thermometer," concluded Heny. (syi/wil)