IPB University Students Assist Karacak Village Farmers, Bring Cengal Durian Ready to Go International
Karacak Village in Bogor Regency is aggressively preparing Cengal durian as a superior commodity that is ready to penetrate the international market. To support this goal, IPB University students who are members of the Forest Management Students’ Club (FMSC) provide intensive assistance to farmers there.
As part of the Student Organization Capacity Strengthening Program (PPK Ormawa), local farmers receive intensive assistance to certify and standardize the quality of Cengal durian. This community service activity aims to ensure that the durian fruit produced meets the quality standards set by the global market, so that it can compete with similar products from other countries.
The program not only focuses on the certification process, but also provides in-depth training to the Karacak Village community on best practices in durian plant management and maintenance. The farmers were taught about proper cultivation techniques, how to select quality fruits, and good post-harvest management to maintain the freshness and distinctive taste of Cengal durian.
In addition, the trainees also gained insight into the importance of documentation and administration required in the certification process, including the fulfillment of food safety and environmental standards.
To support global marketing efforts, the PPK Ormawa FMSC IPB University team also held digital marketing training for durian farmers and business people in Karacak Village. This training includes techniques for creating attractive digital content, strategies for using social media, and how to effectively utilize e-commerce platforms to reach foreign markets. With these skills, the farmers are expected to be able to promote Cengal durian more widely and efficiently, increasing international market awareness of their products.
The hope of this series of programs is that Cengal durian from Karacak Village will not only be known in the local market, but also become Indonesia’s flagship export commodity. With clear quality certification and standardization, plus the support of the right marketing strategy, Cengal durian is believed to have high competitiveness in the global market.
“We are optimistic that the Cengal durian of Karacak Village can become a superior product that not only improves the local economy, but also introduces the potential of Indonesian tropical fruits to the world,” said Fitta Setiajiati, SHut, MSi, lecturer accompanying the PPK Ormawa FMSC IPB University team. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ZQA)
