Through "Kalamansi Syrup Making and Packaging Training Programme", Kadin Bengkulu Encourages Farmers' Productivity and Women's Empowerment

The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) continues to encourage the development of regional economic potential through the Kadin Impact Award (KIA). Continuing the series of KIA judging, Kadin Indonesia today visited Bengkulu Province to see the real impact of the "Kalamansi Syrup Making and Packaging Training Programme" in encouraging regional economic improvement and social inclusiveness, especially in the involvement of women in MSMEs.

Since its inception in 2018, the programme has positively impacted the productivity of around 150 farming families, with women taking a leading role in the farming ecosystem utilising 13Ha of kalamansi citrus plantation land. The comprehensive approach adopted by the Regional Chamber of Commerce of Bengkulu Province includes farmer training programmes, product manufacturing and packaging to marketing.

Through a series of trainings and socialisation, the farmers experienced a 60 per cent increase in the average yield of kalamansi citrus fruits, from 50 kilograms to 80 kilograms.

The participants have also been able to produce derivative products such as syrup, toothpaste, jam, and jelly candy to increase the added value of kalamansi orange cultivation. In addition to increasing production, Kadin also provides assistance to farmers related to business licensing and certification, as well as assisting product marketing through collaboration with Kadin members engaged in the Bengkulu souvenir trade.

The Acting Chairman of Kadin Indonesia, Yukki Nugrahawan Hanafi, appreciated the efforts of Kadin Bengkulu Province through the "Kalamansi Syrup Making and Packaging Training Programme" which has played an important role in promoting kalamansi cultivation and increasing farmers' production in Bengkulu. "The tangible impact generated by this programme is a manifestation of Kadin Bengkulu's commitment in driving the local economy by utilising regional potential, in line with the spirit of the Kadin Impact Award. For that, we give our deepest appreciation to all parties involved in this programme," said Yukki.

On the other hand, Vice Chairperson for Women's Empowerment, Tri Hanurita, highlighted the social impact of the programme that has encouraged inclusivity and empowered women through capacity building of farmers. "The programme has been a key driver of women's empowerment in Bengkulu, particularly for women farmers, by integrating them into the economic framework and providing them with the skills to get ahead. This is key to creating stronger resilience of Indonesian families, improving the quality of life of communities, and advancing the economy as a whole," said Tri Hanurita.

Trisna Anggraini, Vice Chairperson of Industry at Kadin Bengkulu Province and Programme Chairperson of the Kalamansi Syrup Making and Packaging Training Programme, explained that the success of the "Kalamansi Syrup Making and Packaging Training Programme" cannot be separated from the collaboration between all stakeholders, including members of Kadin Bengkulu, MSMEs of Bengkulu Province, Universities, Ulema Council, Indonesian Mosque Council and Indonesian Businesswomen Association of Bengkulu Province.

"This programme is built on close collaboration between academia, the business sector, government and the community, bringing a vision of innovation and inclusivity. Therefore, we would like to thank all stakeholders for their continued dedication to the empowerment of the farming community, which is an important pillar of the regional economy in Bengkulu Province," Trisna concluded.