IPB’s TEP Ready to Support Farmers’ Group in Tambat Village, Merauke, to Strengthen Sago Downstream Processing and Target Modern Markets
The IPB University Patriot Expedition Team (TEP) is committed to strengthening the potential of local food production through intensive support for the community in Tambat Village, Tanah Miring District, Merauke Regency.
During a focus group discussion (FGD) held on (8/15), the team presented a strategic plan to enhance the capacity of the Dwitrap Farmers’ Group in processing sago into high value economic products.
Muammar N, MSi, a member of Team 13 of the IPB University Patriot Expedition, explained that his team’s presence is part of a community mentoring program facilitated by the Ministry of Transmigration. He noted that the four deployed teams are primarily focused on sago cultivation, from farming practices and waste management to the creation of value-added products.
“Our goal here is to provide guidance to ensure that sago development proceeds from upstream to downstream,” said Muammar.
Strengthening the Downstream Sago Sector
The primary focus of this assistance is strengthening the downstream sago sector. Field Coordinator of Team 13 of the IPB University Patriot Expedition, Muhamad Husni Tamami, SKPm, revealed that the team’s main goal is to help the Dwitrap Farmers’ Group produce hygienic sago starch so it can penetrate modern markets.
“We aim for the Dwitrap Farmers’ Group to produce hygienic sago starch so it can be sold in supermarkets, which have always placed a high priority on product cleanliness,” explained Mr Husni.
In addition to hygienic starch, Husni said his team would introduce three new derivative products developed in collaboration with the community and farmer’s group members, which are sago based rice substitute, sago noodles, and liquid sugar.
“To support the sustainability of this initiative, we will also bring in experts from Bogor and provide guidance on product legality, such as obtaining a Home Industry Food Distribution Permit (PIRT), a Business Identification Number (NIB), and halal certification,” he said.
Husni further explained that these steps are being taken to ensure that the processed products from the Tambat Village community have strong competitiveness and a clear brand identity in the market. He also hopes that through the Patriot Transmigration program, sago will remain an identity and a pillar of food security for future generations in Papua, particularly in Merauke.
Meanwhile, Tambat Village Chief Samuel Haremba warmly welcomed the program to be implemented by the IPB University TEP for his community. He noted that the presence of the patriots from IPB University could serve as a bridge for the community’s aspirations and help channel the development programs needed by residents, particularly those related to sago development.
“We hope that the presence of TEP IPB University can help facilitate any programs that will benefit Tambat Village. In addition, we also hope this team can gather the community’s aspirations and listen to the challenges they have been facing, and then convey them to the government so solutions can be found,” he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/WSG)
