Amid the fluctuating prices of Indonesian shrimp, maintaining business sustainability requires careful management of profit margins. There are two simple aspects to preserving profit margins: selling price minus production costs. Since shrimp prices cannot be controlled, production costs can be managed through cost efficiency—one of which is shrimp pond water sterilization.

Water sterilization is a crucial aspect of shrimp farming operations. It plays a key role in disease prevention by reducing harmful pathogens from water sources. 

But did you know that sterilization costs can be reduced to lower production expenses without compromising farming quality? One efficient strategy to cut costs without sacrificing farming success is eco-friendly sterilization.

Read Also: Still Profitable – Vannamei Shrimp Farming Amid Price Drops

Efficient Sterilization with an Eco-Friendly Method

An eco-friendly method that can be used is sterilization with ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV method is a non-chemical approach that uses UV rays to deactivate pathogens. Moreover, UV sterilization does not leave harmful residues like chemical sterilization agents, making it more environmentally friendly and helping maintain pond ecosystem stability

Chemical sterilization is still widely used in shrimp farming, particularly in semi-intensive to intensive farming systems. Common chemicals used for water sterilization include Chlorine (Ca(ClO)₂) and TCCA (Trichloroisocyanuric Acid). These chemicals are frequently chosen for shrimp pond water sterilization, effectively reducing pathogenic bacteria in water, especially during the water preparation phase in reservoirs.

The use of chemicals can leave residues after application, and prolonged use may degrade the farming environment's quality. Additionally, chemical doses are relatively high, making them less effective in the long run.

Advantages of UV Sterilization Over Chemical Sterilization:

1. Leaves no harmful residues for shrimp and the environment
2. Cost-effective in the long run
3. Durable, lasting up to 3 years
4. Instantly kills bacteria and viruses upon UV exposure
5. Reduces the need for treatment ponds, allowing them to be used for production

Reduce Chemicals, Reduce Costs

Water sterilization costs account for approximately 5-10% of total shrimp farming production costs per cycle. Although this percentage is lower than other costs like feed, reducing sterilization expenses can be a solution to current shrimp farming challenges, including water quality, disease prevention, and productivity.

When calculated over a year, sterilization costs using UV technology are lower than using chemicals like TCCA and chlorine. While the initial investment for UV sterilization is higher, the following cycles significantly reduce sterilization costs. 

For example, with a pond area of 10,000 m² and 15% daily water exchange, the total annual sterilization cost with UV is cheaper than using TCCA and chlorine. Additionally, costs in subsequent years can be further reduced because UV sterilizers last up to 3 years, requiring only 12 hours of daily usage.

However, many shrimp farmers perceive UV sterilization as expensive and cost-intensive. In reality, using UV does not necessarily increase costs—in fact, it can lower operational expenses.

Baskara UV: A Smart Solution for Progressive Shrimp Farmers

Reduce production costs without compromising quality! With Baskara UV, you can save up to 78% on water sterilization costs compared to chemical methods, reduce disease risks, and improve shrimp pond efficiency.

This eco-friendly UV technology helps maintain optimal water quality, leading to healthier shrimp growth and better harvests. It's time to switch to a smart solution for your shrimp farm!

Contact us now and experience the benefits of Baskara UV! /(RAR)