Independent Feed Innovation for Tilapia Cultivation: A Competitive Solution from Tanralili
Tanralili, 21 November 2024 – In an effort to encourage sustainability and economic independence for tilapia farmers, community service activities (PkM) have the themeTilapia Cultivation Training Using Independent Feedwas successfully held in Purnakarya Village, Tanralili District, Maros Regency. This activity involves local cultivator groups and aims to increase their capacity in producing high quality feed using local ingredients that are more economical.
This training was initiated by a team of academics and fisheries practitioners, who saw the high dependence of farmers on expensive commercial feed. "By utilizing local ingredients such as molly fish meal, fine bran, copra meal and rijek noodle flour, we want to show that independent feed is not only more affordable, but also able to increase production efficiency," said Dr. Ir. Hasnidar, MS., IPM, head of the implementation team. Also present at this activity were Dr. Ir. Andi Tamsil, MS., IPM and Dr. Ir. Syahrul Djafar, MM and several students.
Training Focus: Independent Feed Making:In this training, participants are taught directly how to mix feed ingredients based on a formula that has been tested. With a target protein content of 35%, local ingredients are processed using simple but effective methods. The results of the economic analysis show that the cost of independent feed can be reduced by up to 30% compared to commercial feed, without reducing the quality of cultivated products.
Implementation of Good Fish Cultivation Methods (CBIB):Apart from feed training, participants are also given an understanding ofGood Ways to Cultivate Fish(CBIB), especially seed distribution techniques. With appropriate stocking methods, such as temperature acclimatization and optimal stocking density, the survival rate of tilapia can increase significantly.
Evaluation and Discussion:At the end of the activity, the implementing team and participants held discussions and evaluations. The participants stated that this training provided great benefits, especially in reducing dependence on expensive imported feed. One of the participants, Mr Sulaiman Borahima, said, "We feel more confident in being independent in providing feed. Costs can be reduced, and the results are no less than factory feed."
Future Expectations: It is hoped that this activity can be the first step to develop more efficient and sustainable tilapia farming practices. With simple technology and the abundant availability of local raw materials, tilapia cultivation in Tanralili has the potential to become a model for other regions.
The implementation team also plans to continue assisting cultivators through follow-up programs such as monitoring cultivation results, developing feed formulas based on other local ingredients, and introducing digital marketing of production results. This activity is not only about technical training, but also a means to build a spirit of independence and sustainability in the fisheries sector. Hopefully this innovation from Tanralili can make a real contribution to the development of aquaculture in Indonesia.
