National Farmers’ Day, IPB University, YBM BRILiaN, and Farmers Hold Calina Papaya Harvest Festival

The Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) of IPB University, the Baitul Maal BRILian Foundation (YBM BRILian), and farmers from Cidolog Village successfully held a Grand Harvest of Calina Papaya on Thursday (9/25).

The Calina papaya variety is an innovation from IPB University that has been present in Cidolog Village, Cidolog Sub-district, Ciamis Regency since January 2024.

“By 2024, IPB University has partnered with 1.430 villages, involving more than 6.000 students. One of them is Cidolog Village, which was initiated in January 2024 with the Calina papaya commodity,” said Dr Handian Purwawangsa, Director of PMA IPB University.

In addition to Ciamis Regency, Dr Handian added, papaya commodity assistance is also being implemented in Indramayu Regency and Banjar Regency. Current harvest productivity has reached 2 tons/month, with an increase in farmers’ income of up to IDR 12 million/month.

“The IPB University assistance program is characterized by its connection to the market. We help the community build a business ecosystem. Assistance is provided in determining the location and suitability of commodities, selecting farmers and strengthening institutions, and adopting the right technology. That is the key to the success of the assistance provided by IPB University,” said Dr Handian.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Daelami, Program Manager of YBM BRILiaN, stated that the program’s support for papaya farmers in the three districts aims to enhance institutional capacity so that farmers become more bankable. This means that if there is a need for funding, it will be easier for banks to provide it.

“Our goal is to drive growth in value, both economically and socially, so that the welfare of the community can be achieved,” explained Ahmad.

PT Indomarco Prismatama, which was also present as a farmer partner, acted as an off-taker. Anom Ari Wibowo, Microeconomic Manager of PT Indomarco Prismatama, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the farmers and IPB University. 

“This harvest is a celebration of cooperation, optimism, and hope that the papaya commodity business can continue and expand further,” said Anom Ari Wibowo.

The production of Calina papayas in Ciamis, Banjar, and Indramayu Regencies involves three farmer groups (Gapoktan): Poktan Wargi Saluyu from Ciamis, Poktan Mekar Pratama from Banjar, and Poktan Tunas Mandiri from Indramayu. In addition, it involves three cooperatives and four village-owned enterprises (BUMDes).

“The total area of land that has been planted in Ciamis Regency is 12 hectares. We are targeting further expansion until the end of January 2026, which will add another seven hectares,” said Asep Setiawan as the farmer coordinator.

Also present at the event were Ape Ruswandana, SE (Chairman of the Agriculture and Food Security Agency), Dr Mohammad Iqbal (Assistant Director of Social Entrepreneurship at DPMA-IPB), and Danang Aria Nugroho, SP, MSi (Supervisor of Agromaritime and Digital Farming Services at DPMA-IPB). Also present were village chief Dudung Abdurachman (Jelegong Village), Sahli Heryanan (Sukasari Village), Bayanudin (Cidolog Village), Usep Hidayat (Ciparay Village), Ahmad Fauzi (Janggala Village), and M Nul Ali (Hegarmanah Village), as well as representatives from the farmers. (*/Rz) (IAAS/FMT)