This is since the on-field data indicated problems in working capital and mentoring. In terms of the industry and production, market absorption is quite high, especially for shrimps
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Marine Affairs and Fisheries Minister Edhy Prabowo drew attention to working capital and mentoring as the duo problematic areas in establishing fishermen’s corporation.

"This is since the on-field data indicated problems in working capital and mentoring. In terms of the industry and production, market absorption is quite high, especially for shrimps," Prabowo noted during a videoconferencing here on Tuesday.

The minister made the statement after attending a virtual meeting on farmers and fishermen corporations led by President Joko Widodo.

The concept of farmers’ corporation was first initiated by President Jokowi in 2017. It was aimed at encouraging farmers to apply more modern farming practices by establishing a large group of farmers equipped with modern applications, which also seek solutions to process and sell the products to the retail industry and online consumers.

The business model will also be applied to fishermen.

"Shrimp has a large global market. The COVID-19 pandemic has halted production in some countries, including India. However, we still have to compete, as the domestic demand is also quite high," he stated.

With such a business model in place, Prabowo believes that the cooperative unit or fishermen’s group can run a fisheries business and use the micro loan (KUR) facility or Marine And Fishery Business Capital Management Agency (LPMUKP) funding as working capital.

The ministry has planned to develop the concept of millennial shrimp farming in the biofloc system.

"We have two locations for biofloc shrimp farming in Situbondo and Jepara. We utilize our facility, 50 hectares and 40 hectares in Jepara and Situbondo. We are optimistic that one of the biofloc farming locations can commence harvesting in December," the minister noted.

The locations will also serve as training centers for millennials, with interest in biofloc shrimp farming.

The ministry has also planned to upgrade 300 thousand of the 2 GT-weight fishermen ships.

"In future, ship owners in Indonesia are not only big enterprises but also small and marginalized fishermen. We will upgrade (the ships), so they will have the capability," the minister added.
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