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| Illustration by Ai |
The success of artificial feed-based milkfish farming in Kabuloang Village, Kalukku District, Mamuju Regency, West Sulawesi, is strongly influenced by how farmers perceive and accept the technology. This finding was reported by Taufik Hidayat, Binayanti, Israwahyudi, Haryanto, and Ilham from Muhammadiyah University of Mamuju in a study published in 2026 in the International Journal of Integrative Research (IJIR). The research highlights that successful aquaculture development depends not only on technology and infrastructure but also on the attitudes and behavior of the farmers who apply it.
Milkfish (Chanos chanos)
is one of Indonesia’s most important aquaculture commodities. The species is
widely cultivated in coastal areas because it adapts well to brackish-water
environments, has strong market demand, and provides a stable source of income
for farming communities. In milkfish production, feed plays a critical role in
determining growth rates, survival, and overall productivity. As a result,
artificial feed has become increasingly popular due to its practicality and
measurable nutritional content compared to traditional feeding methods.
Despite these advantages, feed
remains the largest operational expense in aquaculture. Improper feeding
practices can increase production costs and reduce pond water quality due to
uneaten feed residues. For this reason, the effectiveness of artificial feed
technology depends not only on technical knowledge but also on how farmers
manage and apply it in daily farming activities.
The study was conducted in
Salupompong Hamlet, Kabuloang Village, from May to August 2026. Researchers
involved 60 active milkfish farmers who were already implementing artificial
feed-based cultivation systems. Data were collected through questionnaires,
interviews, and field observations to evaluate farmers’ perceptions of
artificial feed and examine how those perceptions influenced farming behavior.
Most respondents were male
farmers with an average age of 38 years and approximately 9.4 years of
aquaculture experience. Nearly half of the respondents had completed senior
high school education, indicating a relatively solid knowledge base for
understanding and adopting aquaculture innovations.
The findings revealed that
farmers generally had a positive view of artificial feed technology. The
average perception score reached 35.10, placing it in the “good”
category. Around 38.3 percent of respondents were classified as having
good perceptions, while 25 percent fell into the very good category.
These results suggest that most farmers recognize the benefits and
effectiveness of artificial feed in milkfish farming.
Farmer behavior also showed
encouraging results. The average behavior score reached 35.80, which was
likewise categorized as good. About 35 percent of respondents
demonstrated good farming behavior, while 28.3 percent were classified
as very good. This indicates that most farmers have adopted appropriate feeding
practices, including feed quantity management, feeding schedules, and overall
pond management.
One of the study’s most
significant findings was the strong relationship between perception and
behavior. Statistical analysis produced a correlation coefficient of 0.612,
indicating a significant positive relationship between the two variables. In
practical terms, farmers who held more positive perceptions of artificial feed
were more likely to implement proper feeding practices and follow recommended
aquaculture management techniques.
According to Taufik Hidayat and
his colleagues from Muhammadiyah University of Mamuju, farmers who believe that
artificial feed improves fish growth and production efficiency tend to be more
disciplined in managing feeding schedules, adjusting feed quantities, and
monitoring fish responses. Positive perceptions encourage farmers to adopt
better management practices, ultimately contributing to more productive and
sustainable farming operations.
The researchers also emphasized
that perception is not the only factor influencing farmer behavior. Other
variables, including farming experience, feed prices, feed availability, access
to extension services, and pond conditions, also affect how farmers apply
aquaculture technologies. Therefore, improving productivity requires a
comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation with farmer
education and support.
The study offers important
insights for fisheries extension programs and aquaculture development policies
in Indonesia. The authors recommend that extension activities focus not only on
introducing new technologies but also on strengthening farmers’ understanding
of their benefits. Practical mentoring should cover feed dosage, feeding
schedules, water quality management, feed storage, and production evaluation to
ensure that farmers can successfully apply the knowledge they receive.
For Indonesia’s aquaculture
sector, these findings demonstrate the importance of human factors in
technological adoption. When farmers understand and trust a technology, they
are more likely to apply it effectively. This can lead to higher productivity, improved
efficiency, and greater sustainability in milkfish farming, ultimately
supporting food security and the economic welfare of coastal communities.
Author Profile
Taufik Hidayat is a
researcher and academic from the Aquatic Resources Management Study Program,
Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Muhammadiyah University of Mamuju,
specializing in aquaculture, farmer behavior, and aquatic resource management.
This study was conducted in collaboration with Binayanti, Israwahyudi,
Haryanto, and Ilham, who are also affiliated with Muhammadiyah University
of Mamuju and actively engaged in fisheries and coastal community development
research.
Research Source
Article Title: Perception
and Behavior of Fish Farmers Toward Artificial Feed-Based Milkfish (Chanos
chanos) Culture in Kabuloang Village, Kalukku District, Mamuju Regency
Authors: Taufik Hidayat,
Binayanti, Israwahyudi, Haryanto, and Ilham
Affiliation: Muhammadiyah
University of Mamuju, Indonesia
Journal: International
Journal of Integrative Research (IJIR), Volume 4, Issue 8, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijir.v4i8.246
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