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Fish breeding a feasible venture
17 November 2024
By AVV
PENAMPANG: A fish breeding course held by Penampang Farmers' Organisation (PPK), focused on tank aquaculture was held today, attracting 23 participants, primarily representatives from various units.
During the event, attendees received an informative presentation that covered the fundamentals of fish breeding in tanks, including the types of fish suitable for tank culture and essential care practices for maintaining healthy fish.
Mohd Izmi Yahya Umpong, the General Manager of the Penampang Farmers' Organisation (PPK), stated that this initiative is part of their strategy to enhance the knowledge of members, encouraging them to participate in pioneering farming projects.
“The journey began when Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (MEDC), facilitated a course in hydroponics, which has now led to the development of this aquaculture project.”
“We are striving to motivate our members, particularly in Penampang, to consider farming as a viable business. However, to ignite interest, we need an engaging starting point. This pilot project on aquaculture provides that spark. It’s crucial for our members to acquire basic knowledge. This is just the beginning; we plan to hold a series of workshops aimed at deepening their understanding and skills. Our hope is that from this initial interest in farming, they will evolve into successful business ventures.
“We’ve encountered challenges in the past, yet we have seen increasing involvement in farming especially during the covid19 pandemic where food sources were thought about more. It’s essential for us to sustain this momentum in order to reduce our dependence on food imports. This course is just one of many we will offer; we are committed to supporting our members as they expand their agricultural pursuits.”
Alban Joanis @ Mansali, Chairman of PPK Penampang said, “Participants in today’s freshwater aquaculture course are among the entrepreneurs identified as capable of advancing operations at the PPK level in the management of freshwater fish breeding.
“We are fortunate to have received contributions from Datuk Ewon, who has helped through both financial support and encouragement. I expect all members and participants to seize this opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge, as well as to take an active interest in pursuing freshwater farming ventures.”
“This will not only assist PPK Penampang and the government in ensuring food security but also foster a commitment to modern business practices, which is one of PPK's objectives. We hope they will put in the effort, and we will continue to support those who have already begun their journey.”
Junik Sigol, head of Kg Togudon Unit, said, “We have previously conducted programmes focused on hydroponic farming, with approximately 100 participants from our village actively engaged in this type of agriculture. The project manager currently supplies supermarkets with this fresh produce.
“Many of the programmes organised by PPK are funded by Datuk Ewon, and we are truly grateful for his support. His genuine concern for our community has significantly enhanced the benefits we receive from these initiatives.”
Andrew John Goninu the Vice Chief of the Nambazan Unit in Penampang expresses deep gratitude to PPK and especially to Datuk Ewon Benedick for his efforts in encouraging villagers to participate in such valuable courses.
“There are many courses, but this particular one holds special significance for me. I have never had the chance to learn about this before, and I hope these educational initiatives can be extended beyond Penampang to benefit others in different regions as well.”
“This approach to sustainable living is both beneficial and attainable. If given the opportunity to continue this kind of learning, it would be incredibly impactful. Thank you for equipping us with the knowledge and tools necessary to embark on our freshwater fish farming journey.”
Lucy Batak, who represented Kg Gana Kapayan Unit emphasises that while fish farming may appear simple and visually appealing when viewed in an aquarium, there are significant risks involved for the fish.
“This underscores the importance of encouraging our members to attend courses that provide a deeper understanding of freshwater fish farming,” she said
“We are committed to promoting agriculture among the younger generation. For those without large plots of land, fish farming in tanks is a viable option that requires minimal space. For the older generation, who may find it challenging to manage such enterprises, our enthusiasm and commitment to fish farming can inspire our children, who can continue this legacy. I hope to share the knowledge I gain today with our youth.”
Fostering interest and curiosity is crucial for continued advancement in any field.
All the participants expressed their satisfaction with the one-day course and agreed that aquaculture presents a viable solution for individuals with limited land, enabling them to produce fish sustainably and efficiently while contributing to food security and economic growth.
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