Cultivating Catfish, Turning Home Land into a Source of Protein to Prevent Stunting

CIREBON, Controversy news, Com. – The yard of the house which is usually just an empty space has now been transformed into productive land through the cultivation of “Banyu Segara” catfish, an initiative initiated by PKK cadres of Kebon Baru Village. Deputy Mayor of Cirebon, Siti Farida Rosmawati, was present to witness the catfish harvest at that location, Friday (31/10/2025). The Deputy Mayor provided support for strategic steps that combine food security, economic empowerment of residents, and efforts to prevent stunting in children through protein intake.

He also appreciated and felt proud of all PKK Kebonbaru cadres who had taken the initiative and worked hard to carry out this activity together with the Cirebon City Food Security, Agriculture and Fisheries Service (DKP3).

“This activity is not just a formal program, but a real manifestation of community concern for the environment, family food security and economic empowerment of residents,” he said.

Catfish cultivation is a clear example of how empowerment programs can run from the bottom, from the community for the community. Narrow plots of land, yards or courtyards are now a source of life, as well as a means of education about perseverance, patience and cooperation.

“Planting, maintaining and harvesting catfish is not instantaneous, this process teaches the same values ​​as building a resilient society, where every step must be planned well and carried out with heart,” he continued.

According to him, today’s harvest of catfish cultivation in Kebonbaru is clear evidence that food security, community empowerment and stunting prevention through protein can be realized from simple steps at the local level.

“With the creativity, spirit of mutual cooperation, and perseverance of the PKK cadres, we see how the yard of the house can be transformed into productive land. This activity is also a lesson that big changes start with small steps, sincerity, and cooperation between residents,” added the Deputy Mayor.

The Cirebon City Government emphasizes its commitment to continue to support initiatives like this through technical guidance, facilities assistance and ongoing assistance. It is hoped that these steps will encourage other sub-districts in Cirebon City to adopt similar activities, thereby creating equitable food security as well as effective stunting prevention efforts.

“Don’t stop innovating. Keep learning, keep sharing knowledge with other residents. These productive lands can become real centers of empowerment. Hopefully today’s harvest will bring benefits, increase enthusiasm, and become a symbol of collective success,” concluded the Deputy Mayor.

In the same place, the Head of Kebonbaru Village, Sufi Pelangi Jiwa, added that the current scale of cultivation is still small, but the impact is significant.

“The catfish harvest can reach 40 kilograms. Around 30 percent of the harvest will be distributed to children through posyandu, as part of efforts to prevent stunting. The rest is sold to the community and PKK cadres. The feed used is premium, so the quality of the fish is maintained and safe to consume,” explained Sufi.

Sufi said that catfish farming activities not only provide nutritional benefits through protein which plays an important role in children’s growth, but also open up economic opportunities for residents.

“Residents and PKK cadres involved can use the harvest to increase family income while fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for the surrounding environment,” he concluded.

(Laugh)