Increase Selling Value, IPB University Innovation KKN-T Students Socialise Crystal Guava Jam Making

Students of IPB University's Innovation Thematic Community Service Programme (KKN-T) have socialised the production of Jogosimo's signature SeJuK (Crystal Guava Jam). The SeJuK product was initiated by IPB University Innovation KKN-T students as a form of providing added value to crystal guava, which is one of the main commodities from Jogosimo Village, Klirong District, Kebumen, Central Java.

The socialisation of the introduction and production of SeJuK took place at Jogosimo Village Hall. The activity was attended by members of the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) and Women Farmers Group (KWT). The socialisation included a presentation of material about SeJuK, a video showing the making of SeJuK and a sensory assessment of SeJuK products by the community.

"The SeJuK innovation is in line with IPB University's commitment that students who are carrying out KKN-T Innovation can identify problems, formulate appropriate innovations and apply these innovations in the community," said Prihatin Ika Wahyuningrum, SPi, MSi as field supervisor.

One of the problems experienced by crystal guava farmers is over supply during harvest season. Ika hopes that SeJuK products can optimise crystal guava while increasing its selling value.

"SeJuK could become one of the flagship speciality products for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jogosimo Village. This activity can continue with hands-on practice in making crystal guava jam," Ika continued.

Bani, as the speaker and person in charge of the programme, said that the secondary product in the form of jam is expected to be a solution to the fluctuating price of crystal guava, which once reached Rp 1000/kilogram during the harvest season. He added that the tools and materials are easy to find and the manufacturing method is quite simple, which can be a business opportunity for the community during the harvest season.

SeJuK products presented after the presentation of the material received a positive response from the community in attendance. The enthusiasm of the participants made the socialisation activity very interactive by asking questions and discussing with their neighbours when trying SeJuK for the first time.

After trying SeJuK, the community gave their assessment and opinion on SeJuK products. The assessment results showed that 93 per cent of them gave good and very good scores. A total of 96 per cent stated that processing crystal guava into jam as socialised by the IPB University Innovation KKN-T team was profitable enough to continue.

Munbasitoh, Chairperson of the Jogosimo PKK, said, "There are so many crystal guava farmers in this village. I hope there will be many mothers who continue this crystal guava jam, both from PKK and KWT. Incidentally, KWT does not have a product yet, hopefully crystal guava jam can become a KWT product in the future."

"The socialisation activities carried out can change the mindset of mothers in Jogosimo Village to be more productive. Besides being very tasty, we will try it for ice cream toppings. Offering it to outlets in the city would be great," said Ani, a KWT organiser and crystal guava farmer.

Febiyani, one of the members of the IPB University Innovation KKN-T in Jogosimo Village hopes that this socialisation is useful and can be continued by the local community. "This jam (SeJuK) can not only be enjoyed as a friend of bread, but can also be a mochi filling, cake filling as a substitute for pineapple in nastar and so on. SeJuK products, if developed, can become superior products and souvenirs for tourists visiting Jogosimo Village with the hope that the local community's income will increase," he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)