By Aimi Mohamad Farid
Photo By: Mohammad Izrul Abdul Jabar
SERDANG, 28 April — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is strengthening its campus-based aquaculture initiative as part of efforts to enhance food security and reduce living costs, amid ongoing global geopolitical uncertainties disrupting supply chains.
The catfish farming project at Kolej Dua Belas is being scaled up under the Pertanian Untuk Rakyat (PUTRA) agenda, integrating aquaculture and crop cultivation to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient food ecosystem within the university.
Principal of Kolej Dua Belas, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Suriawati Isa, said universities have a strategic role in supporting national food resilience through community-driven agricultural initiatives.
“Rising geopolitical tensions have contributed to higher costs of goods and services, raising concerns over access to affordable food,” she said.
“At the campus level, initiatives like this provide students with hands-on exposure to food production while cultivating awareness of sustainability and self-reliance.”
Central to the programme is the farming of catfish (ikan keli), chosen for its resilience, low production cost, and suitability to local conditions.
The project currently involves about 800 hybrid catfish reared in two 500-gallon tanks within the college compound, with technical support from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia.
Students and staff also underwent specialised training in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang, covering breeding techniques, broodstock selection, and aquaculture management.
Beyond that, students are directly involved in daily operations, handling tasks such as feeding and maintenance, as well as promoting the project through exhibitions.
The use of organic feed improves product quality, although it extends the growth period before harvest.
After four months, the fish reached an average weight of 800g to 1kg and were harvested during the “Keli ke Kuali” programme, which featured cooking demonstrations and tasting sessions.
Participants responded positively, noting the fish’s freshness, firm texture, and minimal odour, reinforcing its potential as an affordable protein source.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Siti Suriawati said, the initiative goes beyond food production by nurturing environmental awareness and entrepreneurial skills among students.
“With proper implementation, aquaculture can reduce dependence on external food sources while helping households manage expenses,” she said.
Following its success, the college is now exploring plans to expand the project, including utilising its lake for larger-scale aquaculture activities.
