UNU Lampung develops solar dryer technology for independent fish feed production

Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Lampung (UNU Lampung) has implemented a community service programme to help the Bina Taruna farmer group in Varia Agung Village, Central Lampung, produce fish feed independently using a Solar Tunnel Dryer (STD). The programme targets 20 members of the group who manage 10 fish ponds, primarily for gourami and catfish. Dependence on factory-made feed has been a major obstacle, with feed costs accounting for 55 to 65 percent of total operational expenses, leading to four of the 10 ponds becoming inactive. The initiative utilises locally available resources such as banana peel waste, which is processed using the solar dryer before being milled, formulated, pelletised, dried, and vacuum-packed. The group also received training on operating the STD, feed formulation using the Pearson Square method, and production cost management. The programme is supported by a Rp40 million grant from the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology under the 2026 community partnership scheme. The collaboration aims to reduce reliance on commercial feed, reactivate idle ponds, and strengthen the self-sufficiency and sustainability of local fish farming.