KKP distributes 136-ton feed to boost fish farming amid pandemic

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Marine Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) Ministry distributed 136 tons of fish feed from March to May this year to fish farmers in 24 Indonesian cities to boost fish production amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We continue to distribute fish feed as one of the most important components of the aquaculture process. The COVID-19 outbreak will not dampen our spirit to produce fish feed while always prioritizing standard safety guidelines," Slamet Soebjakto, the director general of aquaculture at the KKP, noted in a statement.

Soebjakto explained that the distribution was part of the government's stimulus as fish farmers in several regions had to extend the fish cultivation process as an impact of decreased selling while it is also an endeavor to ensure continued availability of fish products.

The feed is produced by the technical implementation unit of KKP's Directorate General of Aquaculture that refers to the Indonesian National Standard, so it meets the quality requirements. During this year, it has planned to allocate some 1,050 tons of fish feed in total.

On the other hand, the KKP encourages fish farmers to also self-produce fish feed, through a program of Gerpari, as in the near future, the ministry will provide 60 packages of machine and raw materials for small-scale farmers in 25 provinces.

Soebjakto believes that this aid will make some difference to increase the farmers' income since it reduces production costs.

"In such circumstances arising from the outbreak, we are working on providing service and support to the community, particularly fish farmers, so that we will get through this together," Soebjakto affirmed. Related news: KKP Ministry continually offers stimulus to fish farmers amid pandemic
Related news: Ministry uses RAS technology for fish seed industry

EDITED BY INE