Koi are the prima donna in Blitar Regency, especially Nglegok District. The total production of fish that are included in grade A in 2020 at least at 260 million heads. Naturally, Nglegok is quite famous as the ‘Minapolitan Region’. However, the farmers admit that there are still many problems in doing cultivation such as fish diseases and controlling water quality.
This encourage the team of Doctoral Service, Universitas Brawijaya to carry out several activities to help fish farmers. UB DM team consists of Dr. Uun Yanuhar, S.Pi., M.Si as the chair, Dr . Ir. Muhammad Musa, MS, and Dr. Herly Evanuarini, S.Pi., MP from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Dyah Kinasih Wuragil, S.Si., M.Si and drh. Fajar Shodiq Permata, M. Biotech from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and five students of Field Work Practice and Thematic Community Service Program.
“We conduct training and assistance in water quality management, and disease control using IoT-based micro-bubbles in a sustainable method,” explained Uun. This community service activity, according to Uun, will last for 6 months, from June to November 2021, through the Doctoral Service scheme.
“In addition, this activity also provides training and assistance in water quality management, as well as disease control using micro-bubbles and solar panels as independent energy. The application of technology provides benefits for farmers to monitor water quality regularly and provide maximum and efficient results,” he added. The use of solar panels, explained Uun, will make it easier for farmers, since electricity is already supplied by available solar panels.
The results of this activity have a positive impact to the fish farmers in the form of increasing koi fish productivity and increasing skills as well as knowledge in cultivation, also increasing understanding of koi fish diseases. Dr. Uun Yanuhar, S.Pi., M.Si said that this success cannot be separated from partners who are experienced and actively participate in activities.
“Currently, the members face many problems in cultivating koi fish, such as fish diseases, high electricity consumption, and suboptimal control of water quality. Now with the help of Solar Panels and Micro-bubbles, I understand how to maintain good quality of pond water for koi fish growth and reduce electricity consumption due to solar panels,” said the Head of Rukun Abadi Makmur Farmer Group, Sigit.
“We really appreciate the active role of partners in supporting this activity so as to create synergy between universities and the community to increase the productivity of koi fish farming,” he concluded. (uun/VQ/ Humas UB/ Trans. Iir)
