Meeting on Agricultural Processing and Marketing in Serang, Banten
On Monday, January 27, 2025, the city of Serang, Banten, hosted a meeting on Agricultural Processing and Marketing (P2HP). This meeting was attended by various Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) or Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) in Indonesia engaged in agriculture and agricultural product marketing.
This meeting was initiated by the Banten Provincial Agriculture Office and attended by around 100 participants, including independent agricultural extension agents, millennial farmers, and MSME actors from various regions in Serang Regency, Serang City, Cilegon, Tangerang, and South Tangerang. The main goal of this meeting was to enhance the capacity and knowledge of the participants in agricultural product processing technology and effective marketing strategies.
The event began with remarks from sponsors emphasizing the importance of improving the quality and added value of MSME products through processing technology. They also highlighted the crucial role of MSMEs in strengthening the local economy and supporting food security. Participants were invited to discuss and share their experiences regarding the challenges and opportunities they face in managing their businesses.
Ellena Fashion attended as a representative of an MSME companion named SIGM4, which provides consulting and assistance services to MSME actors.
One of the main focuses of the meeting was the application of appropriate technology in agricultural product processing. This technology is expected to help MSMEs increase production efficiency, maintain product quality, and extend product shelf life. Participants were also introduced to various tools and machines that can be used in agricultural product processing.
The meeting not only provided theoretical knowledge but also included practical sessions that allowed participants to directly try the processing techniques they had learned. These practical sessions were highly appreciated by the participants as they provided hands-on experience that could be applied in their businesses.
The products of MSME actors included cassava chips, cassava leaf chips, pumpkin sticks, oyster mushrooms, milkfish satay, spring roll skins, spicy crackers, fashion, accessories and others.
In the question-and-answer session, many participants expressed the obstacles they face in the process of processing and marketing agricultural products. The meeting became a forum for finding solutions together and building networks among MSME actors. Support and collaboration among MSMEs are expected to create a stronger and more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
The Agricultural Processing and Marketing (P2HP) meeting also opened opportunities for MSME actors to gain access to various assistance programs and training provided by the government. Through these programs, it is hoped that MSMEs can continue to develop and contribute positively to the regional economy.
With this meeting, it is hoped that MSME actors can improve the quality of their products and expand their markets. This meeting is also expected to be a starting point in creating a more sustainable and competitive agricultural ecosystem at the local level.
