Agrobank Expands Biofloc Technology To Schools, Nurturing Future Aquaculture Experts

By Mohd Noor Iqram Rosli

KOTA BHARU, March 8 (Bernama) -- Agrobank, an agricultural financing and value-based intermediary bank, continues to promote the use of biofloc technology in the aquaculture sector by involving students from the Upper Secondary Vocational Programme (PVMA) and the Integrated Special Education Program (PPKI).

Through the 'Aquaculture Aspire Agrobank' programme introduced last year, 10 schools in Peninsular Malaysia received biofloc technology sets, with costs ranging from RM14,000 to RM15,000, depending on additional requirements such as the Internet of Things (IoT) Air Pressure Monitoring System.

The participating schools are Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sri Kukup, Pontian (Johor); SMK Sri Perpatih, Gemas (Negeri Sembilan); SMK Nyalas, Jasin (Melaka); SMK Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam (Selangor); Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Kuantan (Pahang); SMK Meranti, Pasir Mas (Kelantan); SMK Renek, Jerteh (Terengganu); Sekolah Menengah Pendidikan Khas Vokasional Merbok (Kedah); SMK Sultan Abdul Aziz, Teluk Intan (Perak); and SMK Syed Ahmad, Kangar (Perlis).

The principal of SMK Meranti, Mohammad Razuki Derahman, said that this programme not only provides PPKI students with valuable knowledge but also hands-on experience in managing an aquaculture ecosystem.

"This project is highly beneficial as it allows students to be directly involved in maintaining the aquaculture system, including feeding the fish, monitoring water quality, oxygen levels and temperature, and ensuring a suitable environment for aquatic organisms to thrive.

"Additionally, this technology reduces water consumption in aquaculture systems while improving water quality for tilapia farming," he told Bernama recently at SMK Meranti, Pasir Mas.

He added that the students are excited to explore new knowledge in aquaculture, particularly feeding tilapia fish twice a day and monitoring water quality in the breeding ponds.

Meanwhile, Agrobank president and chief executive officer Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said that this programme is part of Agrobank's corporate social responsibility initiative to equip students with biofloc technology skills while also helping schools generate income through fish sales.

"In the long term, Agrobank aims to extend biofloc technology for tilapia farming to 10 more schools this year. Through this programme, we strive to create a learning environment that integrates theory and practice beyond the classroom, enabling students to explore career opportunities in aquaculture," he said.

Previously, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, stated that each selected school would receive a pond measuring 5.49 meters and 1,500 tilapia fry, providing students with exposure to modern fish farming technology.

-- BERNAMA