IPB University Trains Purbalingga Farmers to Process Palm Sugar
The Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) at IPB University held a “Training on Processing Techniques for Leading Commodity Products” as an effort to improve the capacity of farmers in the villages under its guidance.
This activity was carried out in Purbalingga Regency, Central Java Province, some time ago. The training aimed to provide farmers with practical knowledge and skills on processing techniques for leading commodities through a sustainable agromaritime approach.
Dr Tjahja Muhandri, an IPB University lecturer who is actively involved in mentoring many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), was present as an expert and keynote speaker.
The activity was attended by farmer groups from Pakecen Village, Karangjengkol, and surrounding areas. The material covered post-harvest product management techniques, selection of appropriate processing products, derivative product processing techniques, and processed product storage techniques.
The training activity in Purbalingga Regency focused on processing coconut sugar powder, with material covering the processing of fresh products into dry food, the sugar drying process, and the manufacture of liquid sugar.
In his presentation, Dr Tjahja emphasized the importance of innovation in agricultural product processing. Farmers, he said, need to understand the value chain from upstream to downstream.
“With the right techniques, local products such as cassava, bananas, or chilies can be processed into value-added products such as chips, pasta, or instant seasonings. This is not only a matter of technology, but also a matter of marketing strategy and sustainability,” said Dr Tjahja.
Director of PMA IPB University, Dr Handian Purwawangsa, said that this training is part of IPB’s agromaritime strategy to strengthen food security and the village economy. “We believe that with the right synergy and assistance, local potential can become a national strength,” he said.
The training was also attended by Gunardi, a prominent palm sugar entrepreneur who provided motivation and tangible support to the participants. He also contributed by handing over 1.300 dwarf coconut seedlings to be planted in demonstration plots around the Village Hall.
The seedlings came from superior parent trees in the Lidik and Soma Gede areas and are expected to start bearing fruit within 3-4 years.
“Coconuts have many benefits. They can be used as a recreational facility for school children, for learning how to plant, tap, and harvest. If coconut trees disappear, the tappers will also disappear,” he added.
He also highlighted the great potential of palm sugar as an export commodity. “In America and Europe, people have switched from granulated sugar to palm sugar because it is considered healthier. The price of palm sugar can reach Rp50,000 per kilogram abroad. Therefore, the palm sugar harvesters here must be preserved,” he emphasized.
Currently, he regularly exports two containers of coconut sugar per month and is collaborating with American partners to achieve an export target of up to 115 tons per month.
With a collaborative spirit and the enthusiasm of participants, this training serves as tangible proof that village transformation is not just talk, but a movement toward community self-reliance and well-being. (*/Rz) (IAAS/ASY)
