Efforts to reduce dependence on fish meal as raw material for making fish feed continue to be carried out by the Indonesian government. This is because the price of fish flour is high and most of them still have to be imported.
On the other hand, the need for fish feed continues to increase along with the development of the aquaculture sector, especially in regions such as Riau Province, which is the largest catfish -producing center in Indonesia.
Utilization of Palm Cake (PKM) as an alternative
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (KKP) sees great potential in the use of oil palm cake or Palm Kernel Meal (PKM) as a substitute for fish meal.
Director General of Aquaculture, Slamet Soebjakto, revealed that the availability of PKM in Riau Province is still very abundant, even Indonesia is the second largest producer in the world after Malaysia.
PKM is a side product of the palm oil industry and contains protein that can replace protein from fish meal in fish feed formulation.
Various studies show that PKM can be used directly as a raw material for feed without going through the maggot process first.
Riau as a National Model Project
Riau was chosen as a pilot province for the use of PKM in fish feed. One of the districts that is the focus is Kampar Regency, which is the national center of patin fish production.
KKP targets the continuous provision of PKM raw materials through cooperation with palm oil processing companies in the area.
To support this implementation, Slamet Soebjakto encouraged local governments to issue circulars to palm oil processing companies in Riau, especially allocating some of their PKM as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Thus, Mandiri feed cooperatives can get a sustainable supply of raw materials.
Also read: Plasma Nano Bubble, A Technology That Can Restore Water Quality
Nutritional content and benefits of PKM
The results of research from the Bogor Agricultural Institute (IPB) showed that PKM has a protein content between 15-18 percent, fat content of 9.5 percent, crude fiber 25.19 percent, and Ca:P ratio of 1:2.4.
In addition, PKM also contains 10 types of essential amino acids and trace minerals (MN), which are good for fish growth.
The trial shows that the use of PKM by 8 percent in fish feed can produce optimal growth, especially in catfish.
This is a great opportunity for the aquaculture industry to adopt local raw materials as a cheaper and sustainable alternative than fish meal.
Industrial Support and Regulation
The Chairperson of the National Mandiri Feed Association, Syafruddin, said that the use of PKM Palm in Mandiri feed has become a major alternative in meeting the needs of vegetable protein.
At present, the needs of PKM Palm in Kampar Regency reach 33 tons per day, with most supply coming from cooperation with Sinar Mas Group.
To support this transition, Syafruddin proposed that the government issue regulations that require palm oil processing companies to allocate 10 percent of their PKM production for fish feed needs. This step is expected to ensure the availability of raw materials locally, without having to depend on exports.
Buy Organic Fish Pellet at Angphot Official Store! Buy here
Independent feed movement and logistical strengthening
In addition to utilizing PKM Sawit, KKP has also continued to develop the Independent Feed Movement (Gerpari) since 2015. The program aims to encourage the production of fish-based fish feed and increase the independence of fish farmers, especially small scale.
However, there are still challenges faced, such as access to raw materials that are not always available continuously. To overcome this, KKP plans to improve the feed logistics system by mapping raw materials and connecting them to independent feed cooperatives in fish production areas.
Ideally, each cultivation center has a special group of raw material providers that can partner directly with independent feed producers.
Also read: Future Prospects for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Indonesia
The success of independent feed production
At present, Mandiri feed made from local standard is starting to get a place in the market. In various regions, various independent feed brands emerged that were able to compete with factory feed.
For example, in Pinrang Regency, South Sulawesi, the Pokanri Pottotau group has succeeded in producing Mandiri feed “Barakka 557” with quality equivalent to commercial feed.
In addition, the Jepara Brackish Water Aquaculture Center (BBPBAP) also succeeded in creating high quality independent feed. This product has been used by farmers in Boyolali, Central Java, with a level of feed efficiency (FCR) reaching 1.1 percent.
Utilization of palm oil PKM as a raw material for fish feed is a strategic step to reduce dependence on expensive and imported fish meal.
With the potential for abundant PKM availability in Indonesia, especially in Riau, the use of local raw materials can reduce production costs and increase the competitiveness of the aquaculture industry.
Support from the local government, oil palm processing companies, as well as regulations that support the allocation of PKM for fish feed is very necessary so that this program can run successfully.
With the development of the independent feed movement, it is expected that fish farmers, especially small scale, can get quality feed at more affordable prices, so that the aquaculture industry in Indonesia is more advanced and sustainable.
