BUMDesma Dewi Laksmi Kartoharjo Magetan Develops Catfish Floss Production
The Women’s Savings and Loan Group (SPP) of the Dewi Laksmi Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDesma) in the Kartoharjo District, Magetan Regency, East Java, is developing a catfish floss production business to increase the income and welfare of its members.
The Acting Director of BUMDesma Dewi Laksmi Kartoharjo, Nanang, stated in Magetan on Sunday that the diversification into catfish floss production aims to enhance the skills of female members in processing local commodities into high-value products, ultimately increasing profits.
“Previously, the SPP was only identified with savings and loans. Now, we are encouraging these women to acquire entrepreneurial skills. Catfish floss was chosen because the raw material is abundant in Magetan and the market demand is clear,” said Nanang.
He noted that the business development is supported by capacity-building training for catfish floss production, attended by dozens of SPP members from various villages across the Kartoharjo District. Nanang explained that the programme is a concrete step towards shifting the old paradigm; he wants SPP members to move beyond focusing solely on debt and credit, and instead be driven towards productive entrepreneurship.
Through the production capacity training, participants were taught the practical processes of making catfish floss, ranging from ingredient selection, steaming, and seasoning to frying, oil extraction, and packaging techniques to ensure product longevity.
“Catfish are abundant here in Magetan; it would be a waste to sell them only raw. If processed into floss, the selling value can increase by three to four times. The key lies in the spice measurements and the frying process to ensure durability without using preservatives,” he added.
Beyond production, participants were also provided with materials on group management and marketing strategies. Nanang assessed that the greatest challenges for rural MSMEs lie in packaging and market consistency.
The Head of Sukowidi Village, Tarmuji, stated that the local village government, which holds a stake in the BUMDes, supports and appreciates the initiative by BUMDesma Dewi Laksmi.
“Empowering women through MSME sectors like this has proven effective in supporting family economies. We hope the knowledge gained from this training is truly practised at home, leading to the birth of new small businesses in the village,” said Tarmuji.
Through this activity, the SPP Group of BUMDesma Dewi Laksmi Kartoharjo is expected to transform into a driver for local-potential-based MSMEs that are independent and competitive in Magetan Regency.
Data from the Magetan Fisheries and Livestock Office indicates that Magetan Regency possesses significant freshwater fishery potential capable of supporting food security. Consequently, local communities are encouraged to increase capacity in areas ranging from cultivation and post-harvest handling to distribution and the development of various processed fish products, particularly catfish, to meet nutritional needs and boost the regional economy.