by Asep Bulkini
Indonesia is one of largest shrimp producers in Southeast Asia. Initially, in the 1980s, black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) was the most widely cultivated species and most farmers favoured the use of large rectangular ponds, with an average area of 2,500 – 5,000 m2. When most changed to vannamei production in the early 2000s, due to whitespot (WSSV) disease outbreaks that hit monodon horribly, the type of shrimp pond changed little, other than the addition of HDPE linings or concrete to the ponds.
However, in the last decade the shrimp farming model has begun to vary, including the construction of some smaller ponds, of 1,000 m2 or less. The popularity of these mini-ponds was a response from those who want to be involved in the sector but have limited capital and land. Originally, these small ponds adopted the traditional rectangular shape, based on a very simple construction using bamboo as the frame and tarpaulin as its lining. This type of pond was developed by farmers in Madura, East Java, in their backyards. Recently, the trend of small-sized shrimp ponds has shifted towards circular designs, typically with a diameter of 5 to 30 metres. This type of farm is popular among young farmers, while the government and private companies are also participating in developing this kind of pond as a pilot for millennials and small-scale farmers.