Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) introduced the latest innovation in the world of education and research by starting tilapia farming in the garden pond of the Biology Education Study Program. This step not only supports academic activities, but also brings positive changes in the community.

According to Zainal Arifin, S.Pd, the person in charge of the tilapia farming program at UNIPMA, the tilapia pond serves as a living laboratory for students of the Biology Education Study Program. "Tilapia is known to be easy to cultivate and has high economic value, making it an interesting subject to study," said the man who is usually called Mas Zainal, Wednesday, 07/08/2024, yesterday.

He also added that in the Bioenterpreneur course, students of the UNIPMA Biology Education Study Program will learn about cultivation techniques, pond management, and water resource management directly. This combination of theory and practice prepares them with knowledge and skills that are ready to be applied in the real world.

Mas Zainal also explained the advantages of the biofloc system applied in tilapia farming. "The biofloc system has several advantages compared to conventional methods. The pond water does not need to be drained until harvest because fish waste containing ammonia will be broken down by bioflog bacteria. This prevents fish from ammonia poisoning even if the water is not changed for 4-5 months. In addition, fish will be healthier without disease because the bacteria developed in bioflog ponds are good bacteria that help overcome bad bacteria that cause diseases such as fungi and other skin diseases," he explained when interviewed.

UNIPMA acts as an agent of change by empowering the community through tilapia farming. Located in the city, the program provides access for students and the community to learn and adopt the farming techniques that have been developed. The initiative also has the potential to boost the local economy by providing an affordable source of high-quality protein.

The program is supported by collaboration between the university, students, and the Madiun City Food Security and Agriculture Office. UNIPMA is committed to continuing to develop this tilapia farming, with the hope that it can become a model for other educational institutions in Indonesia.

Tilapia farming at UNIPMA is not just an academic activity, but also a real effort to support the food, education and community empowerment sectors. Through this program, UNIPMA proves its role as a driver of positive change that has a broad impact on the surrounding environment.

With this innovation, UNIPMA not only provides academic benefits for students, but also strengthens the university's role as a pioneer of change in society.