INCOME ANALYSIS AND BUSINESS FEASIBILITY OF HOUSEHOLD-SCALE SALTED FISH PROCESSING IN PASAR BANTAL VILLAGE, MUKOMUKO REGENCY

Abstract

Salted fish processing represents an important livelihood activity for many coastal households, providing opportunities to increase the value of fishery products while generating additional income. This study assessed the income and financial feasibility of household-scale salted fish processing businesses in Pasar Bantal Village, Teramang Jaya District, Mukomuko Regency. The research was conducted from December 2025 to January 2026 using a quantitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through observations, interviews, and documentation involving 15 salted fish processors selected from the local processing community. Economic performance was evaluated through analyses of production costs, revenue, net income, and Return Cost Ratio (RCR). The results revealed that the average production cost was IDR 12,016,311 per year, while the average annual revenue reached IDR 29,232,000. Consequently, processors obtained an average net income of IDR 17,215,689 per year. The average RCR value was 2.44, indicating that revenues were more than twice the production costs incurred. These findings demonstrate that household-scale salted fish processing in Pasar Bantal Village is financially feasible and capable of generating positive economic returns. Business sustainability is supported by the availability of raw materials, low capital requirements, the utilization of family labor, and relatively stable market demand. The study highlights the potential of salted fish processing as a livelihood diversification strategy that can contribute to strengthening the economic resilience of coastal households.