Optimization of The Vegetable Agricultural Sector as A Superior Product Based on Community Empowerment in Kopeng Village, Semarang Regency

Abstract

Kopeng Village, Semarang Regency, has an agricultural area of ​​approximately 275 hectares, most of which is used for horticultural cultivation. The main commodities produced include cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and green beans, with production reaching thousands of tons per year. However, this sector still faces various obstacles that hinder agricultural optimization. One major challenge is market price fluctuations due to dependence on middlemen. This dependence on middlemen prevents farmers from having strong bargaining power in setting the selling price of their crops. Based on the problems presented, the solutions offered in this community service partnership program is appropriate technology. The implementation of Appropriate Technology (TTG) in the form of a potato chipper machine in Kopeng Village is an innovative solution to increase the efficiency of potato chip production, a leading processed product. This machine is designed to help business owners speed up the potato chip cutting process to a uniform size, resulting in slices that are more consistent in thickness and quality. The advantages of using a potato chipper machine compared to manual methods include increased productivity and labor efficiency, allowing for greater market demand in a shorter timeframe. Furthermore, product quality standards are better maintained because uniform potato slices affect the final product during the frying process, creating a crispy texture and improved flavor. this activity fostered confidence in the community's ability to process their own agricultural produce into marketable products. The direct impact are participants gained real-world experience processing vegetables into ready-to-eat products, awareness of the importance of quality standards increased, for example, in maintaining the cleanliness of tools and materials, participants began to envision opportunities for small, home-based businesses (home industries), and a two-way knowledge transfer occurred: the community service team provided technical knowledge, while participants shared local experiences on recipes and processing methods. After the socialization, training, and hands-on practice phase, the activity continues with the mentoring and community empowerment phase. This phase is crucial because it ensures that the skills acquired by the community are not limited to the training activities but can be truly applied and developed sustainably in their daily lives.