Through the OVOC Program, IPB University Students and Jambi Farmers Succeed in Exporting Areca Nuts
The Directorate of Agromaritime Community Development (DPMA) of IPB University, in collaboration with PT Export Tani Nusantara through the One Village One CEO (OVOC) program, held an areca nut export release event at Talang Duku Port, Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi Province (4/24).
A total of 36 tons of areca nuts, valued at $76,320 or approximately IDR 1,3 billion, were shipped in two containers from Talang Duku Port. The event was attended by the Governor of Jambi; the Rector of IPB University; the Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Agromaritime Development; the Director of PMA IPB University; as well as representatives from Pelindo, Customs, and the Quarantine Agency.
In his remarks, Al-Fiqie Director of PT Export Tani Nusantara and a final-year student at IPB University’s Faculty of Economics and Management emphasized that the success of this export effort was the result of collaboration among many parties.
“IPB University facilitated training for farmers and helped with funding. The farmer groups involved are mentored producers. The Jambi Provincial Government, Pelindo, the Quarantine Agency, and Customs have also played key roles in building the areca nut business ecosystem in Jambi,” he explained.
Fiqie expressed his hope that the areca nut exports will help improve farmers’ incomes and create new job opportunities.
IPB University Rector, Prof Arif Satria, stated that through its various community service programs, the university has reached 6.675 villages across Indonesia. The OVOC program was designed to support students or fresh graduates of IPB University in becoming social entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.
“The presence of social entrepreneurs is expected to positively contribute to the development of rural business ecosystems, leading to increased incomes and job creation in villages,” he said.
Prof Arif Satria also expressed his hope that this export event would open the door to further collaboration between IPB University and the Jambi Province. “IPB University has many agricultural innovations such as rice, oil palm, and coffee technologies that can be applied in Jambi,” he added.
Jambi Governor Dr H Al Haris, in his remarks, applauded the achievements of Al-Fiqie and his team, who, despite still being students, have already succeeded as entrepreneurs.
“Hopefully, this success will inspire students in Jambi not to hesitate to become entrepreneurs and help create jobs for the community here,” he said.
Responding to the IPB University Rector’s proposed collaboration, the Governor instructed his team to design programs for students and youth in Jambi to enable their participation in the OVOC program at IPB University.
The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Governor of Jambi and the Rector of IPB University, symbolizing the official export release of areca nut products to Bangladesh, witnessed by all invited guests. (IAAS/RWA)
