Lecturers of the Department of Agricultural Industrial Technology, University of Bengkulu (UNIB) through a community service program encourage the development of local fishery products in Pasar Seluma Village through the application of preservation and downstream technology. The program entitled “Integrated Fisheries Agroindustry Innovation: Optimizing Local Resources of Agricultural Waters through Preservation and Downstream Technology at the Poklahsar of Pasar Seluma Village” was held on Sunday, July 9, 2026. The activity was directed to increase the shelf life as well as the selling value of fishery commodities produced by coastal communities.

This service program was chaired by Selly Ratna Sari, S.Pi., M.Si., from the Agricultural Industrial Technology Study Program, with members Woki Bilyaro, S.Pt., M.Si. from Animal Science and Nella Tri Agustini, S.Kel., M.Si. from Marine Science. The activity also involved 21 students as implementers through the Thematic KKN scheme. The empowerment targeted two groups of fishery product processors and marketers (Poklahsar), namely the Nusantara Seluma Fisheries Poklahsar led by Pinda Fitria, S.Pd.I., and the Seluma City Mandiri Poklahsar led by Maryanti.

The technology provided is adjusted to the product characteristics of each group. Poklahsar Fisheries Nusantara Seluma received a strengthening in the processing of smoked fish and dried fish, while Poklahsar Seluma City Mandiri was directed to diversify products in the form of antioxidant-rich fish sticks and shredded fish in combination with jackfruit. To extend shelf life, the team introduced preservation technology by utilizing natural ingredients such as gambier, kecombrang, chitosan, carragenant, and liquid smoke which are directed to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in processed fish products.

Not only improving the production process, the service team also handed over a number of appropriate technologies, including vacuum sealers, portable smoke cabinets, food dehydrators, dough grinding machines, and  oil slicing spinners. The downstream aspect is also strengthened through the development of smart packaging designs that are informative and equipped with nutritional content information. This approach is expected to help partner groups produce fishery products that are more durable, attractive, and have added value when marketed.

This activity received support from the Head of Seluma Market Village, Yus Sukardi, through partnership facilitation and implementation sites, as well as support from the Marine and Fisheries Service. Through synergy between universities, village governments, related agencies, and community groups, this program is expected to strengthen the fisheries agroindustry based on local potential, support food security and nutritious food consumption, and open opportunities for the development of community-based fisheries education in the Nusantara Seluma Port area.