UNS — A community engagement team from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta organized an assistance program in technology implementation for janggelan (grass jelly) farmers in Temboro, Wonogiri District, Central Java. This program has successfully developed an efficient formula for the Mesona palustris leaves powdering into grass jelly powder as the primary material in black grass jelly (janggelan) production.
The program, which lasted for 6 (six) months, was initiated by the Head of LPPM UNS, Prof. Okid Parama Astirin, and the Secretary of LPPM UNS, Prof. Syamsul Hadi, in collaboration with Dr. Wisnu Nurcahyo from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). Prof. Syamsul Hadi as the team leader states that currently the production equipment is handed to the farmer group for the mass production stage of black grass jelly powder. “During these six months, which actually is quite short, Alhamdulillah, we can develop the proper and effective powdering formula. The equipment has undergone a trial and is working properly,” Prof. Syamsul Hadi explains, Tuesday (1/12/2020).
Meanwhile, Prof. Okid states that the potential for mesona leaves development is relatively high, starting from the raw material availability, human resource aspect, and market potential. On the other hand, a member of the SME partner from UD Bumi Makmur, Wonogiri, Sarmin adds that this powdering process can increase the selling value of black grass jelly. The leaves that usually sold in a dried condition can be packed in a modern manner. “We are happy, initially, we just sell the dry leaves, now we can get higher profit by selling it as black grass jelly powder,” Sarmin revealed.
Previously the farmers sold the mesona leaves in the form of dried leaves, stems, and roots. The distribution reached Malaysia in 2011 as well as to China and Taiwan since 2012. With the UNS team’s equipment grants, the farmers are much helped in producing the instant grass jelly powder. Besides the production process, UNS team also assisted in the marketing aspect including the preparation of packaging design, website development, and other marketing platforms that can be easily accessed by the public.
Dr. Wisnu Nurcahyo states that the Team hopes that this program’s outcome can be useful and beneficial, not only for Temboro residents, but can also uplift the product and become one of the flagship products of Wonogiri. Humas UNS
Reporter: Dwi Hastuti
