When Campus Science Helps Farmers Break Free from Weather Dependency

A community in Dusun Citengan, Sukamulya Village, Ciamis Regency, West Java, is witnessing a transformation in its aquaculture practices through an academic intervention. The Siliwangi University community service team has introduced a Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) integrated with Solar Power Plants (PLTS) to the Ombros Kalcer Farmer group. The programme, titled ‘Transformation of Water and Energy Independent Fish Cultivation for Ombros Kalcer Farmer through RAS–PLTS Integration and Digital Marketing Strengthening,’ is designed to overcome the perennial problems faced by local fish farmers. These challenges include limited land, unstable water supply, and high operational energy costs. The initiative is part of the Community Partnership Programme funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Service, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology for 2026. According to Andri Ulus Rahayu, the team leader from Siliwangi University, the project stemmed from discussions with the Ombros Kalcer Farmer group regarding their development plans. He noted that the rural area, once considered ideal for aquaculture, now faces serious ecological challenges due to climate change and land conversion. Previously, farmers were entirely dependent on the seasons; during the rainy season, water quality deteriorated due to domestic waste contamination, while the dry season brought insufficient water flow, making production unpredictable and incomes unstable. The programme implements the university’s Tri Dharma mission by applying research results directly to community empowerment, ensuring that academic innovation translates into tangible benefits for grassroots livelihoods.