Mataram, University of Mataram – Dr. Kurniawan Yuniarto, a lecturer at the Faculty of Food Technology and Agroindustry, University of Mataram (Fatepa Unram), explained that their latest research focuses on advanced storage technology for fresh agricultural commodities such as fruits and vegetables. The research was motivated by the high rate of agricultural yield loss due to inadequate post-harvest treatment, with FAO reports showing global loss rates reaching 35-40% and even up to 60% in developing countries.

In this research, the team developed two main technologies: “Augmented Storage” and ‘Digital Inventory-Traceability’. The “Augmented Storage” technology uses an air control system with a wireless sensor network to maintain ideal storage conditions and extend commodity storage life. Meanwhile, “Digital Inventory-Traceability” serves to ensure food safety by digitally recording the origin, quality, and time of harvest.

The biggest challenge in this research is integrating the technology with the needs of farmers and exporters. However, support from the Matching Fund program and a solid research team have facilitated the successful implementation of this technology. The technology has been well accepted by farmers and exporters, as evidenced by mangosteen exports directly from Lingsar to China without passing through other major cities.

“Alhamdulillah, for the Matching Fund program that we conducted in 2023, we did not face many obstacles both technically and socially. The technology that the market or partners need, and the existence of a solid team in realizing the technology helps in all stages of the technology diffusion process,” said Dr. Kurniawan when interviewed by the Unram Public Relations team on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

The augmented storage technology package developed has proven the empowerment of local businesses and local governments, from villages to provinces. The collaboration of the Unram research team with PT Bintang Agro Sentosa succeeded in sending mangosteen exports to China as much as more than 60 tons from Lingsar during the October-December 2023 period. Previously, mangosteen exports had to pass through big cities such as Bali, Surabaya or Jakarta.

“The mangosteen farmers coached by our team are highly delighted with this technology, as it allows them to build their brand and increase the presence of their commodity in the Chinese market. Lingsar mangosteen has even been branded in the Chinese market,” said Dr. Kurniawan.

Funding support from DUDI and Unram also played an important role in realizing this research. In the future, the research team plans to develop this technology into a transportation storage system and establish partnerships with various parties to support national food security.

“I would like to thank the Kedaireka Secretariat of the Ministry of Education and Culture, the support of the Rector of the University of Mataram, as well as the Department of Budget and Finance of the University of Mataram, and also our research team. Technical cooperation in augmented storage research and funding support from partner PT Bintang Agro Sentosa has resulted in downstream research that has a positive impact on the economic turnover of the mangosteen producing community in Lingsar and its surroundings,” he added.

The social and economic impact of this technology has been felt. The practice of “ijon” that was detrimental to farmers has been eliminated, and farmers are now getting better prices for their commodities. The technology also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing fresh food loss, as well as improving food security.