Empowering KWT Mekar-Sari Kintamani in postharvest handling of Siamese oranges with the application of nanocoating-konjac

Abstract

Consumption of Siam Kintamani oranges is currently increasing, driven by public awareness of health. Its bioactive components are beneficial to health, but their quality is rapidly degrading. The Nanocoating-konjac application method is needed to keep oranges fresh. Nanocoating-konjac is a natural preservative solution made from konjac which is applied by immersion method. Village community empowerment is an effort to develop community independence and welfare. KWT Mekar-Sari (partners) is a group of women farmers in the village of Pengejaran, Kintamani District, Bali Province, Indonesia, who need assistance to extend the shelf life of Siamese oranges. Utilization of Nanocoating-konjac as a natural preservative for Siamese oranges can support community service goals, namely improving skills (soft skills and hard skills) as well as forming/developing economically and socially independent communities. Through community service activities partners have the skills, insights in managing natural resources and an entrepreneurial spirit, thereby opening up wider business and marketing opportunities. Community service activities are carried out through training using lecture methods, discussions, demonstrations, questions and answers, while after handling the program an evaluation is carried out. The results of community service showed that of the 20 group members who participated in the activity, 70% had never preserved Siamese oranges, only 30% preserved them in a simple way. After carrying out these activities, all members understand the material and practices carried out and members continue to apply nanocoating to citrus fruits in accordance with what is practiced and then marketed. By utilizing the application of nano-konjac coating on citrus fruits, it provides added value and becomes a source of income for the community