The Department of Agricultural Engineering and Biosystems, Faculty of Agricultural Technology (DTPB FTP) of UGM handed over local food processing equipment to MSME entrepreneurs in Selopamioro Village, Imogiri, Bantul. This assistance aims to support the development of local food potential and strengthen the capacity of food MSMEs in Selopamioro with the introduction of agricultural technology.
The tools provided include food processing machines and equipment, such as tempeh slice machine, banana slice machine, soy peeler machine, spinner machine, drying machine, cassava flouring machine; and digital scales and thermogun to measure the surface temperature of food ingredients. Representatives from FTP UGM and PT. Kliring Berjangka Indonesia (KBI) symbolically handed over the equipment to Selopamioro Village MSMEs, Wednesday (17/3) in the local hamlet.
Head of DTPB FTP UGM, Prof. Lilik Sutiarso, said that this event is a form of community service activity carried out by DTPB FTP UGM. Community service activities that have been carried out for the past year carry the theme Assistance of Selopamioro Villagers in Local Food Processing – Development of Culinary Tourism in Bukit Dermo with the Establishment of the Dermo Gubug Cafe.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, people work and learn from home. People’s need for snack food increases, which brings positive news for food processing MSME entrepreneurs to further increase their production capacity,” he explained.
Lilik conveyed that apart from the quantity aspect, people also pay attention to product quality and food safety. Therefore, DTPB FTP UGM in collaboration with PT. KBI assists and fosters Food MSMEs in Selopamioro. Activities directed at strengthening the capacity of Food MSMEs in Selopamioro with agricultural technology (agricultural tools and machinery for proper use) introduction, strengthening capacity in production aspects, quality, and food safety, and increasing the economic capacity of MSMEs (families).
“This activity is an effort to improve community welfare through the implementation of appropriate agricultural technology. After the handover of this equipment, the community will hopefully be able to make good use of the equipment,” he said.
He revealed that he would continue to provide intensive assistance to local MSMEs, not only limited to production but also marketing through assistance in the development of Culinary Tourism in Bukit Dermo with the Establishment of the Gubug Dermo Café, which serves local food products from the people of Selopamioro Village.
Head of Selopamioro village, Sugeng, welcomes the local Food Processing assistance program for Selopamioro village residents. He hopes that later the program can continue until the development of culinary tourism in the Dermo Gubug, which is currently starting to gain tourists.
Representatives of PT. KBI, Fajar Wibhiyadi, said that support for MSMEs is a concern in accelerating community empowerment programs. Apart from that, it is also an effort to ensure the program’s sustainability in terms of strengthening social, economic, and environmental networks.
This event also includes planting durian seeds in the Nawungan fruit garden. Each representative from UGM FTP, KBI, and Selopamioro Village planted the seeds in turn, witnessed by the local community.
