Rural agroindustry development based on prime commodities in Soppeng regency

Abstract

Rural agroindustry business is one of the efforts to increase the added value of agricultural products in rural areas. This is supported by the availability of raw materials in the areas. This research aims to determine priority commodities and agroindustrial products for rural agroindustrial scale, and create their development strategies in Soppeng Regency. This study used primary data obtained from observations and interviews with relevant agencies and parties, and secondary data obtained from the literature of relevant sources. The determination of priority commodities and agroindustrial products was analysed using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Research results showed three priority commodities, namely rice (0.358), corn (0.320), Cocoa (0.188). It was identified that priority products for rural agroindustry development were rice flour (0.244), chocolate drink (0.185), and corn chips (0.167). Furthermore, the development of rural agroindustry in Soppeng regency was focused on 3 (three) selected priority products; rice flour, chocolate drinks and corn chips. These efforts were, started with an acceleration of technology transfer, especially post-harvest handling for high quality raw materials, good manufacturing practices and product marketing.