Strategy for Developing Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Culture Using Intensive/Super-Intensive Technology in Indonesia

The Government of the Indonesian Republic has targeted an increase in the value of shrimp exports and production until 250% by 2024. Thus, a special strategy is needed to develop whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture that can increase production but does not negatively impact the aquatic environment. For this reason, research was carried out to obtain a strategy for developing sustainable intensive/super-intensive technology of whiteleg shrimp culture in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The activity was conducted in South Sulawesi Province from March to July 2021. The data were collected from questionnaires submitted to respondents or actors, namely whiteleg shrimp brackishwater pond managers and other stakeholders and structured observations on whiteleg shrimp ponds. The validity of the questionnaire was tested using Corrected Item-Total Correlation method and the reliability was tested using Cronbach’s alpha method. Another primary data source was obtained through Focus Group Discussion. Data analysis was undertaken using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. The research results show that, of the 18 intensive/super-intensive technology of whiteleg shrimp farming businesses operating in Bulukumba, Je’neponto, and Takalar Regencies, only one whitleg shrimp farming business applies super-intensive technology. The main problems in intensive/super-intensive whiteleg shrimp culture are disease attacks, namely acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease or early mortality syndrome and white feces disease and the inconsistent quality of seed. Among the four criteria studied, it was found that environmental factor criteria are the most influential in developing intensive/super-intensive technology of whiteleg shrimp culture. Among the seven alternative strategies, the order of priority of the alternative strategies is environmental protection of culture, management of culture areas, modern technological innovation, environmentally friendly culture technology, easy access to business and capital, improvement of human resources, and availability of pond facilities.