Field School for Koi Farmers in Blitar Facing the Digital Age
IPB University Homecoming Lectures (Dospulkam) program returns to Blitar. Continuing a similar program from a year ago, this time the team held a field school entitled “Community Development in Tourism Villages Based on Koi Farming Through Digital Technology Development.”
The event focused on digital literacy and digital marketing for koi farmers. This year, the team emphasized the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in koi farming and provided training in short film making for koi farmers and young people in Kuwut Hamlet.
This activity was initiated by two IPB University lecturers, Mahmudi Siwi, SP, MSi and Dr Dwi Retno Hapsari, and assisted by Titania Aulia, SKPm, MSi, Tri Budiarto, SKPm, MSi, Dr Toto Haryanto, and graduate students from the Rural Sociology Study Program. The event also collaborated with Koi Park Blitar and was attended by around 40 participants, ranging from young and senior koi farmers to young men and women from Kuwut Hamlet.
“Hopefully, koi breeders here can be even more successful in their koi breeding by utilizing digital technology,” said Mahmudi Siwi during the training held at Joglo Koi Park Blitar, Kuwut Hamlet, Kemloko Village, Nglegok District, Blitar Regency, on Friday (9/26).
He explained that the cost of installing IoT devices is relatively affordable, at around Rp1,5 million. “With this capital, koi farmers can start utilizing IoT to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their farming,” he explained.
Mahmudi believes that the use of IoT by koi farmers in Kuwut Hamlet has great potential, especially in addressing the water issues they often face.
The next session was led by Dr Dwi Retno Hapsari, who presented training material on short film making. She explained video shooting techniques, storytelling tips, steps in short film production, provided examples of popular content on social media, and conducted hands on practice in short film making.
“Short films can be a means of promotion, education, and building a positive image for koi farming. With creativity, even simple content can have a big impact,” she said.
Naning, owner of Koi Park Blitar, along with Yasin as a village official representative, also expressed their appreciation.
“Thank you for this Dospulkam IPB event. Hopefully, the IoT framework can be demonstrated soon at Koi Park Blitar so that koi farmers can directly experience its benefits,” said Naning.
Through collaboration between academics, local communities, and the village government, it is hoped that digital technology can further strengthen the position of Blitar koi farmers in facing global market challenges. (*/Rz) (IAAS/KQA)
