Empowerment of Fruits Management through the Increasing Economic Value of Local Product on the Red Guava Cluster

Abstract

Kendal is one of the regencies in Central Java province, which has superior horticultural products, especially in the production of fruits. Kendal has some types of fruits including “Jambu biji Getas Merah” or red guava. Local communities, especially farmer community established Joint Farmer Group (Gapoktan) of red guava to process it into processed products. The purpose of this research was to analyze issues related to processing of guava in Tambahrejo village. The research used descriptive qualitative analysis with Participatory Rural Appraisal, PRA method. Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with key persons associated with the research. The results showed that based on the analysis of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP), processing of red guava could improve quality assurance and food safety of red guava processed product in order to keep developing the product and fulfill the requirements of consumers. Problems associated with the processing of red guava can be minimized or resolved by the establishment of institution in the community to process guava and cooperation between Gapoktan of red guava and the government, local communities and external parties such as educational institutions, investors and others.

Keywords: Red Guava, Gapoktan, HACCP, Institution.