IPB University KKNT Innovation Team Successfully Conducts Technical Guidance on Cultivation and Development of Processed Products of Calina Papaya

Recently, IPB University’s Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture (KKNT Innovation) students successfully carried out Technical Guidance (Bimtek) on Calina Papaya Cultivation and Papaya Processed Product Development Practices in Ciamis Regency and Banjar City. This activity was organized thanks to assistance from the Agriculture and Fisheries Service of Ciamis Regency and was attended by various related parties.

The chairman of the local Community and Village Empowerment Office, sub-district chairman, village chairman, farmers, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) attended the event. The enthusiasm of the participants was evident, especially during the question and answer session on pest and disease control of papaya plants guided by an expert from the SRI team, Rifqi Alfiansyah. 

Rifqi said, “We are very happy to see the enthusiasm of the farmers in learning pest and disease control techniques. Hopefully, this knowledge can be applied directly in the field to improve the productivity and quality of their papaya plants.”

In addition, he continued, the participants also showed their activeness in the marketing material session delivered by representatives from PT Indomarco Prismatama (Indomaret). Not only gaining knowledge about marketing, the participants also followed the hands-on practice of developing processed papaya products guided by IPB University lecturer, Dr Antin Suswantinah.

Dr Antin said, “The practice of developing processed papaya products aims to provide additional skills for farmers and MSMEs people. With product innovation, they can increase the selling value of papaya and create wider market opportunities.”

This activity is expected to provide tangible benefits for farmers and MSMEs in Ciamis Regency and Banjar City, and improve their understanding of papaya cultivation and processing. Through technical guidance and hands-on practice, the participants are expected to be able to improve the quality and added value of the papaya products they produce, as well as expand their marketing network.

With activities like this, it is hoped that collaboration between students, government, and the private sector can continue to support the development of agriculture and MSMEs in various regions. (*/Rz) (IAAS/PRO)