KKP Develops Thematic Fish Farming to Supply Free Nutritious Meal Programme

The farming model is expected to be replicated across various regions, adapted to the leading commodity potential of each area.

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) is continuing to develop its thematic fish farming programme as an effort to strengthen protein supplies for the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme whilst increasing aquaculture production and the local economy.

Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries Sakti Wahyu Trenggono said the programme is designed as an aquaculture development model integrated with the village economic ecosystem, so that it can create business certainty for farmers whilst expanding market access.

“Through institutional strengthening and partnerships, fisheries production has market certainty whilst also supporting the provision of nutritious food for the community,” said Trenggono, quoted from a KKP press statement in Jakarta on Monday.

He explained that as part of the programme, the KKP is developing catfish farming using biofloc pond technology in Blora Regency, Central Java.

A total of 24 biofloc ponds, each four metres in diameter, have been built to support more efficient and sustainable catfish production, he said.

He stated that catfish production from the area is projected to supply the protein needs of four Nutrition Fulfilment Service Units (SPPG): SPPG Kamolan, Banjarejo, Mojowetan, and Gempolrejo.

According to Trenggono, the connection between the farming area and the SPPGs is expected to provide market certainty for farmers whilst strengthening the supply chain of nutritious food to support the implementation of the MBG programme.

He added that the thematic fish farming programme is also expected to increase the added value of the aquaculture sector, strengthen community incomes, and support the target of national food self-sufficiency.

“This farming model is expected to be replicated in various regions, adapted to the leading commodity potential of each area, so that its economic and social benefits can be felt more widely by the community,” he said.

The thematic fish farming programme is part of the KKP’s strategy to develop productive, efficient and sustainable area-based aquaculture through the integration of production, marketing, and the use of farming outputs to support national food security.