TRAINING ON INDEPENDENT FISH FEED PRODUCTION AS AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE COST EFFICIENCY AND BUSINESS SELF-RELIANCE AMONG FISH FARMERS IN PURWASARI VILLAGE

Abstract

This community service program aimed to enhance the knowledge and technical skills of freshwater fish farmers in Purwasari Village, Dramaga District, Bogor Regency, in producing independent fish feed using locally available ingredients. The program was implemented by the Forum Wacana IPB University team in collaboration with a feed expert from Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa University. The activities consisted of counseling, technical training, and mentoring using a participatory learning approach, allowing participants to be actively involved in every stage of the program. Evaluation through pretest and posttest demonstrated a significant improvement, with an average knowledge increase of 38.1%, particularly in technical understanding and group institutional capacity. Participants showed strong enthusiasm and commitment to continue producing independent feed collectively to reduce production costs and improve business efficiency. The program effectively strengthened farmers’ economic independence and supported the national policy on sustainable fish feed self-sufficiency.