KUALA LUMPUR: Agrobank has launched Agrobank Aquaculture Aspire Program in collaboration with Education Ministry to cultivate interest in fisheries among neurodiverse students.

Agrobank president and chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin said a total of RM110,000 were allocated to implement the programme.

It will benefit about 100 neurodiverse students from 10 selected schools nationwide from Program Vokasional Menengah Atas (PVMA) and Special Education Integration Programme (PPKI).

In collaboration with a local freshwater fish seed producer ARC Berkat Agro Food Sdn Bhd (ARC) who supplies catfish and tilapia seeds, Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah said the participating schools will be provided with biofloc sets.

"The supplier company will provide guidance and training in terms of care and technical aspects of the biofloc system, where typically these fish will take two to three months to mature before they can be sold."This initiative is organised in line with the National Food Security Policy 2021-2025, where Agrobank prepares the younger generation as successors in facing the challenges of the agro industry and as catalysts for national food security," he said in a statement.

According to the statement, the implementation of biofloc technology plays a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability within aquaculture systems, which significantly reduces water consumption in fish farming operations while enhancing water quality parameters.

Consequently, it creates a more optimal and biosecure environment for fish cultivation and reproduction.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/09/1106876/agrobank-launches-programme-promote-fisheries-neurodiverse