Taking a look at the productivity potential of traditional shrimp pond systems
Extensive pond is a pond with low stocking densities, no more than 5 shrimps/m2. Because of the low stocking density, extensive ponds have lower productivity levels than the other three types of ponds. The low productivity is indicated by the shrimp yields that range from 300 to 2,000 kgs/hectare. Therefore, an extensive pond is also referred to as a traditional pond.
Furthermore, the extensive pond is still dependent on natural conditions, from water supply, water quality conditions, to shrimp food sources that are dependent on what is available in nature. Farmers have little intervention in the management of extensive ponds.
Extensive pond’s potential
In Indonesia, extensive systems continue to dominate shrimp ponds. According to Tb Haeru Rahayu, Director General of Aquaculture at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, the extensive pond area in Indonesia is 247.8 thousand hectares, or approximately 82 percent of the total ponds existing. This percentage is significantly greater than the other types of ponds.
Extensive ponds are considered potential in terms of quantity. However, optimization measures are required to increase crop yields and contribute to meeting market demands.
The measure to boost extensive pond's productivity
In order to boost shrimp farming productivity and meet the goals that have been set, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia has developed a plan, which is pond revitalization. The ministry believes that the revitalization of traditional ponds in prospective areas is necessary to boost productivity.
This step will begin with a prototype revitalization program in around 1,000 ha of shrimp ponds. The objective of this program is to increase the production value and volume of shrimp exports in order to meet the set targets.
The revitalization program for traditional ponds has been implemented in Aceh Tamiang, Indonesia. The context of revitalization can also be considered with measures to increase production capacity. For example, the inclusion of aquaculture management, starting with water quality treatment, additional feeding, and so on.
Increasing the productivity of extensive ponds will have a significant impact on the performance of national shrimp productivity. This revitalization is expected to result in shrimp ponds that are not only productive but also sustainable.
