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A team from Jember State Polytechnic has launched a community empowerment program for local yam (gadung) processors in Arjasa Village, providing crucial training in food safety, product diversification, and digital marketing.
The September 2025 initiative, funded by the Ministry of Education’s Community-Based Empowerment scheme, addresses key challenges facing small businesses in the traditional food processing sector.
Program leader Huda Oktafa, S.TP., M.P., identified fundamental production and marketing limitations.
“Through this program, we aim to help SMEs improve productivity and product quality while developing digital marketing strategies to reach broader markets,” he explained.
The training specifically targets hygiene standards and value-added product development for yam chips and flour.
Participants received comprehensive instruction in Good Manufacturing Practices (CPPOB), covering everything from selecting yam tubers and lime water soaking to reduce HCN content, to drying techniques and proper food labeling standards.
The program also introduced product innovations including cheese sago cakes, fish egg snacks, muffins, and yam noodles, expanding beyond traditional chip production.
Local entrepreneur Abu Darrin attested to the program’s immediate impact: “Previously we only produced simply and sold in village markets. Now we understand hygienic production, can create new products, and market through social media.”
The training included practical sessions on designing modern packaging and leveraging platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for business growth.
This initiative positions Arjasa’s yam products for national market competition while supporting sustainable local economic development. By combining food safety standards with digital marketing strategies, the program creates a replicable model for upgrading traditional food industries across developing regions.