Suplementasi Pakan Dengan Peningkat Imunitas Ikan Dan Praktik Manajemen Kualitas Air Untuk Meningkatkan Produktivitas Benih Lele Di Kabupaten Kediri, Jawa Timur

Abstract

Kediri Regency, East Java, is one of the main centers of catfish production in Indonesia, with fingerling production reaching 13 billion individuals and market-size catfish production of approximately 17,000 tons per year (2024). However, during January–February 2025, mass mortality of catfish fingerlings occurred, particularly at the two-week-old larval stage, resulting in significant losses for hatchery operators. This problem highlights the need for innovation to enhance fish immunity through environmentally friendly approaches. Banana stems are known to contain bioactive compounds that function as natural immunostimulants and have strong potential for development as feed supplementation materials. The innovation of ambon banana stem extract (Patent No. S00202212122) served as the basis for this community service activity. The training program was conducted on July 30, 2025, at the UPT PBAT Pare, Kediri, through collaboration between IPB University and the Kediri Regency Fisheries Office, and was funded by the IPB 2025 Dosen Pulang Kampung scheme. The activity was attended by 25 catfish farmer groups from 13 sub-districts. The training consisted of two sessions: (1) delivery of material on feed supplementation using herbal-based immunostimulants, and (2) hands-on practice in the preparation and application of immunostimulants made from banana stems and tempeh yeast using the coating method. Evaluation was conducted through pre-tests and post-tests, as well as group discussions with farmers. The evaluation results showed an increase in participants’ understanding, with the average post-test score being 34% higher than the pre-test score. This activity equipped hatchery operators and extension officers with practical skills in utilizing banana stems as supplemental feed ingredients and in managing water quality. The training is expected to enhance human resource capacity while providing a preventive, locally based solution to reduce catfish larval mortality.