IPB University Vocational School SJMP Study Program Improves Quality and Food Safety of Mulyaharja Local Rice
The Supervisor of Food Quality Assurance (SJMP) Study Program of IPB University Vocational School has successfully carried out a series of community service activities in Mulyaharja Village, Bogor, West Java. This program aims to improve the quality and food safety of local rice, increase its selling value and competitiveness in the market, and empower Mulyaharja farmers.
Taking place in several stages, the program began with a focus group discussion (FGD) on 19 August 2024 involving the SJMP Study Program team, farmer group leaders, and village extension officers. This FGD explored the rice production process in depth, starting from the early stages to post-harvest.
Furthermore, on 30 September 2024, training on quality optimization and rice packaging was held for the Lemah Duhur Adult Farmer Group (KTD). The training covered the practical use of vacuum sealers, selection of food-quality packaging, and informative labeling according to standards.
On October 11, 2024, KTD Lemah Luhur and Cibeureum Jempol Rice Mill received training on sanitation hygiene and food packaging. The focus of this training was the application of sanitation and hygiene in all stages of rice production, as well as the introduction of modern packaging technology, especially vacuum packaging.
The culmination of this community service program is a field trip and evaluation of the training results and the provision of equipment assistance on November 2, 2024. The SJMP Study Program team provided assistance in the form of rice scales, water activity measuring devices, healthy rice packaging, personal hygiene tools, and vacuum packers and molds to farmers.
“Through this program, we hope to increase farmers’ understanding and skills in producing quality rice that is safe for consumption, so as to increase the selling value and competitiveness of their products,” said Made Gayatri Anggarkasih STP, MSi, one of the lecturer representatives.
According to her, this community service program is a tangible manifestation of the contribution of the SJMP Study Program of IPB University Vocational School in supporting the development of local potential and national food security. (*/Rz) (IAAS/HLF)
