PKM Fisheries Community Group Through Transforming Traditional Ponds Towards a Fishing System with Baby Box Innovation to Diversify Tiger Prawn Business

The Pentokolan system is a zoned cultivation concept, where the pond is divided into several areas with different functions — from water storage, sedimentation, to the main maintenance pond. This system makes water and waste management more efficient and environmentally friendly. Meanwhile, the Baby Box is a tool for raising fry (shrimp fry) which is specially designed using simple materials such as paralon, fine netting and micro aeration to maintain oxygen levels and stable water temperature.

The program chaired by Ir. Muhammad Saenong, M.P, and assisted by Asmidar, S.Kel., M.Si, collaborated with the Sejahtera Bersama cultivator group as implementing partners. The activity lasted for four months and involved students named Nurhijrah Islamiah and Ananda Ania Wahyudi as well as UMI alumni named Damis, S.Kel., M.Si as part of the field assistance.

Program I aims to increase the productivity and efficiency of tiger prawn ponds which are still managed using conventional methods. Through a science-based approach and appropriate technology, the UMI team introduced two main innovations: the Pentokolan system and the Baby Box tool.

"We realize that the root of the problem for traditional farmers is the high mortality rate of fry in the initial phase. With the Baby Box, the fry can adapt better before being stocked into the main pond," explained Ir. Muhammad Saenong to Radar Makassar.

The application of this technology has been proven to increase fry survival up to two times compared to conventional methods. Farmers also experience efficiency in the use of water, feed and maintenance time. Apart from technical benefits, this innovation also raises new awareness among coastal communities about the importance of implementing environmentally friendly technology.

This PKM activity begins with socialization, making tools through mutual cooperation, and field training using the pond school method. The UMI lecturer team not only teaches theory, but directly accompanies farmers in making and operating the Baby Box tool. The entire process is carried out in a participatory manner, with the aim that the community is able to continue and develop this technology independently.

The head of the Prosperity Together group, M. Alghiffari A Tenriajeng, S.Pi, admitted that he felt many benefits from this program.

"Previously, we only used traditional methods. Many fry died and the harvest results were erratic. Now, with the Pentokolan and Baby Box systems, the results are much better and more economical," he said enthusiastically.

Apart from focusing on cultivation technology, this program also provides training on pond management, production recording and business diversification. With the new system, partner groups are now able to produce fry and shrimp for consumption with a higher success rate. In fact, some farmers are starting to try to develop derivative products such as frozen shrimp and processed products to expand the market.

This PKM program is part of the commitment of the UMI Community Service Institute (LPkM) in strengthening the role of universities in society. The chairman of LPkM UMI said,This kind of activity is a real form of academic contribution in supporting the blue economy andcoastal empowerment.

"UMI continues to encourage innovations that are applicable, cheap, and can be implemented directly by the community."The approach is not just research, but real action in the field," he said.

Muhammad Saenong added that this success could not be separated from the enthusiasm of the communityWiringtation that is open to change.

"The key is the willingness to learn and try new things. We only facilitate innovationcan be shared," he said.

In the future, the UMI team plans to expand the application of Pentokolan-Baby Box technology to regionsother coasts in South Sulawesi, such as Pangkep and Barru. The hope is that this innovation can becomenational model in the transformation of traditional ponds into productive and modern systemssustainable.

This program also proves that innovation does not always have to be expensive and complicated. Withcreativity, knowledge, and collaboration between universities and society, simple technologycan also change the face of the coastal economy.

"Baby Box may be small, but its impact is big. It gives new hope for small farmers tocontinue to survive and develop amidst the challenges of the times," concluded Saenong.