Prawns are one of the favorites in seafood dishes. One of the most popular types of shrimp is tiger shrimp, which has a larger size and is certainly delicious when eaten. Aceh Province is one of the areas in Indonesia where tiger shrimp farming is still prevalent. In 2011, more than 5,000 tons of tiger shrimp were produced from Aceh. (Data source: Center for Data, Statistics and Information - KKP)

Bantayan Village, which is included in the Simpang Ulim District, East Aceh, is one of the Wind Shrimp centers in Aceh. Many Wind Shrimp farms still operate with traditional systems, namely cutting mangroves to clear land and the use of inappropriate materials. This makes Mr. Ridwan, a member of the Sarena Udeung group, want assistance and direction to farmers to increase yield and harvest quality.

Train on BMP Implementation

The hope of the farmers represented by Mr. Ridwan was realized, at the end of April WWF-Indonesia facilitated by Aceh Aquaculture Cooperative (AAC) held a cultivation training. The materials provided to farmers are ways of cultivation that are environmentally friendly and sustainable. As with other aquaculture trainings, Better Management Practices (BMP) became the reference material presented.

In the training, participants were tested on their knowledge before and after receiving the training by completing the pre-test and post-test. Enthusiasm was shown by the participants through the questions asked to the recognition of the cultivation practices that had been applied.

One of the highlights was a statement from Mr. Busra, a Wind Shrimp farmer "We are still using chemicals, so the results we get are not what we expected". Another farmer added that if he had applied BMPs in shrimp farming from the beginning, the environmental pollution would not be as severe as it is today.

The last word from Mirwanda, Secretary of Sarena Udeung Group "If not us who else? And if not now when else?"Let's collaborate within the group to implement Tiger Shrimp farming practices that refer to BMPs in our village."

Author: Said Rahmad Annesva (Field Facilitator for Aquaculture Program)