GuriPop: Creative Innovation of KKNT Innovation IPB University Students, Turning Feed Corn into Chips
In Karanganyar Village, especially in Kalisusu hamlet, feed corn is the main commodity. However, the production of feed corn in Kalisusu is not supported by an adequate selling price. In response to this problem, the IPB University Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture (KKNT) group in Karanganyar Village, Tegal Regency, sought to increase the selling value of feed corn.
IPB University students developed an innovation in the form of feed corn-based snacks, namely corn chips named GuriPop. GuriPop products are made from feed corn, which is the main commodity in Kalisusu Pedukuhan. This product was introduced by the students to the residents of Karanganyar Village through a socialization event.
“The purpose of the activity is to show housewives how to process feed corn into snacks with higher selling value. The feed corn that has been sold to middlemen is only valued at around Rp4,000 per kilogram. With this activity, it is expected that the selling value of corn can increase,” Restu Nur, KKNT Innovation student.
Rahayu, one of the participants, said, “This program is very useful for us, housewives in Kalisusu hamlet. So far, we have only sold feed corn to middlemen at a very low price. With this GuriPop innovation, we learned that feed corn can be processed into chips that have a higher selling value.”
To increase the selling value of the product, IPB University students also explained the importance of packaging and branding. They outlined how an attractive packaging design can influence consumer buying interest, as packaging not only serves as a protective barrier, but also as an effective communication tool between producers and consumers.
Alfiah, another participant, added, “The explanation of packaging and branding really opened our minds. We came to understand that an attractive packaging design can greatly influence consumer buying interest. It really inspired us to be more creative.”
This activity is expected to be the first step in developing processed corn products that can improve the welfare of the Kalisusu community. With GuriPop products, it is hoped that feed corn can provide greater economic benefits and open up new opportunities for the local community. Support and assistance from various parties are expected to continue so that this program can be sustainable and have a wider positive impact. (*/Rz) (IAAS/HLF)
