IPB University and YBM BRILian Encourage the Independence of Cultivators in Cigombong Bogor
IPB University collaborates with Yayasan Baitul Maal (YBM) BRILian in an effort to increase the capacity of farmers and freshwater fish farmers in Cigombong District, Bogor Regency.
Through tilapia aquaculture training, the program was facilitated by Fajar Maulana, MSi, a lecturer from IPB University’s Fish Reproduction and Genetics Laboratory.
Fajar discussed various technical aspects of tilapia farming. Starting from hatcheries, water quality, selection of superior seeds, to enlargement management and efficient pond systems. The participants also got a first-hand look at intensive farming systems and strategies to deal with field challenges.
“We hope that the community can continue to be helped and be able to overcome various challenges in daily aquaculture activities,” said Fajar Maulana, who also expressed his happiness to be able to directly share knowledge with the community.
“Hopefully, the knowledge we develop at IPB University can be useful and widely applied,” he added.
One of the farmers, Mulyadi, who is also an independent fisheries extension agent in Cigombong Subdistrict, said that this training provided many new insights for farmers in his area, especially the Salada farmer group that he coaches.
“The material presented is very helpful, because many of our farmers previously did not know. We hope that activities like this can continue so that crop yields and farmers welfare will also increase,” said Mulyadi.
Meanwhile, Wira, a representative from YBM BRILian, emphasized the importance of following up on this training so that it really has a real impact in the field.
“Alhamdulillah, it has a positive impact on farmers. Hopefully, the delivery of material can be done repeatedly and closer to each farmer,” he said. He also encouraged practical visits to farmers’ ponds to be part of IPB University’s ongoing agenda.
This activity is expected to be the first step of a long-term synergy between universities, zakat institutions, and the community in building an aquaculture ecosystem that is independent, sustainable, and oriented towards improving the welfare of farmers. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ASY)
