Improving the quality of FFB

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 32 views

Marketing System for FFB Production of People's Gardens in Labuhan Batu: A Case Study of Tanjung Medan Village

Introduction

The production of fresh fruit bunches (TBS) in Labuhan Batu Regency, North Sumatra Province, has been a significant contributor to the local economy. The People's Garden, a community-based initiative, has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and increasing the income of small-scale farmers. However, the marketing system for FFB production in this region has been a subject of concern, with many farmers struggling to access fair prices and markets for their products. This article presents a case study of the FFB marketing system in Tanjung Medan Village, Kampung Rakyat District, Labuhan Batu Regency, and explores the implications of this system for farmers' incomes and livelihoods.

Background

The selection of Tanjung Medan Village as the research location was based on its status as the main center of FFB production from the People's Garden. The village is located in the Kampung Rakyat District, which is one of the second-largest FFB production centers in Labuhan Batu Regency. The study was conducted between January and March 2004, and was facilitated by the supervisor Ir. A.T. Hutajulu, MS, and H.M. Mozart B. Darus, MSc.

TBS Marketing Channels

The study revealed that there were two main marketing channels for FFB in Tanjung Medan Village. The first channel involves direct sales of FFB from farmers to the Palm Oil Mill (PKS). This channel is faster and provides direct benefits for farmers, although the prices offered by PKS can vary depending on the quality and volume of FFB sold. The second channel involves the role of the Village Collector Traders (PPD), which acts as an intermediary between farmers and PKS. On this path, farmers sell their FFB to PPD, who then collect and sell them to PKS. This method usually makes the marketing process more organized, but often reduces profit margins for farmers because of the additional costs charged by PPD.

Analysis and Implications of TBS Marketing

The existence of these two marketing channels shows that farmers in Tanjung Medan Village have several choices in distributing their products. However, each channel has advantages and disadvantages that need attention. Direct sales to PKS provide greater control to farmers at the selling price, but requires them to have a good understanding of the quality of products and markets. Meanwhile, through PPD, farmers may be able to utilize a wider network, but they must be prepared to receive greater discounts.

In terms of economic, the selection of appropriate marketing channels is very influential on farmers' incomes. By understanding the dynamics of these two channels, farmers can optimize their profits. In this context, education and training on how to assess market prices and the quality of FFB becomes very important. Supporting programs from the government or non-governmental organizations can help farmers get the knowledge needed to make better decisions about marketing their products.

The Role of Education and Training

Education and training play a crucial role in empowering farmers to make informed decisions about marketing their products. By understanding the market dynamics and the quality of their products, farmers can negotiate better prices and increase their profits. The government and non-governmental organizations can provide support to farmers through training programs, workshops, and other initiatives.

Conclusion

The research conducted by Andriyani Harahap provides in-depth insight into the FFB marketing system in Tanjung Medan Village. By understanding the two existing marketing channels, farmers can be wiser in managing their crops. Success in marketing FFB does not only depend on the selection of channels, but also on the capacity of farmers to adapt and innovate in facing challenges in the market. In the future, support from various parties will be very important to increase the competitiveness and welfare of farmers in this region.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improving the quality of FFB: Farmers should focus on improving the quality of their FFB to increase their competitiveness in the market.
Developing marketing skills: Farmers should develop their marketing skills to negotiate better prices and increase their profits.
Increasing access to markets: The government and non-governmental organizations should provide support to farmers to increase their access to markets and improve their marketing skills.
Providing education and training: The government and non-governmental organizations should provide education and training to farmers to empower them to make informed decisions about marketing their products.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on exploring the impact of the FFB marketing system on farmers' livelihoods and the local economy. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the factors that influence farmers' decisions about marketing their products and to develop strategies to improve the competitiveness of FFB producers in the market.

References

Andriyani Harahap. (2004). FFB Marketing System Production of People's Gardens in Labuhan Batu. Unpublished thesis, University of North Sumatra.

Ir. A.T. Hutajulu, MS, and H.M. Mozart B. Darus, MSc. (Supervisors). (2004). FFB Marketing System Production of People's Gardens in Labuhan Batu. Unpublished thesis, University of North Sumatra.

Appendix

The appendix includes the following:

List of abbreviations: A list of abbreviations used in the study.
Glossary: A glossary of terms used in the study.
Tables and figures: Tables and figures used in the study.
Questionnaire: The questionnaire used to collect data from farmers.
Interview schedule: The interview schedule used to collect data from farmers.
Q&A: FFB Marketing System for Community Garden Production in Labuhan Batu

Introduction

The FFB marketing system for community garden production in Labuhan Batu has been a subject of interest for many researchers and stakeholders. In this article, we will answer some of the frequently asked questions about the FFB marketing system in Labuhan Batu, based on the research conducted by Andriyani Harahap.

Q: What is the FFB marketing system in Labuhan Batu?

A: The FFB marketing system in Labuhan Batu refers to the process of selling fresh fruit bunches (FFB) from community gardens to buyers, such as Palm Oil Mills (PKS) or Village Collector Traders (PPD).

Q: What are the two main marketing channels for FFB in Labuhan Batu?

A: The two main marketing channels for FFB in Labuhan Batu are:

Direct sales to PKS: Farmers sell their FFB directly to PKS, which is a faster path and provides direct benefits for farmers.
Sales through PPD: Farmers sell their FFB to PPD, who then collect and sell them to PKS. This method usually makes the marketing process more organized, but often reduces profit margins for farmers.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of each marketing channel?

A: The advantages and disadvantages of each marketing channel are:

Direct sales to PKS:
- Advantages: faster path, direct benefits for farmers
- Disadvantages: prices offered by PKS can vary depending on quality and volume of FFB sold
Sales through PPD:
- Advantages: wider network, more organized marketing process
- Disadvantages: additional costs charged by PPD, reduced profit margins for farmers

Q: How can farmers optimize their profits in the FFB marketing system?

A: Farmers can optimize their profits in the FFB marketing system by:

Improving the quality of FFB: Farmers should focus on improving the quality of their FFB to increase their competitiveness in the market.
Developing marketing skills: Farmers should develop their marketing skills to negotiate better prices and increase their profits.
Increasing access to markets: The government and non-governmental organizations should provide support to farmers to increase their access to markets and improve their marketing skills.

Q: What role does education and training play in the FFB marketing system?

A: Education and training play a crucial role in empowering farmers to make informed decisions about marketing their products. By understanding the market dynamics and the quality of their products, farmers can negotiate better prices and increase their profits.

Q: What are the implications of the FFB marketing system for farmers' livelihoods and the local economy?

A: The FFB marketing system has significant implications for farmers' livelihoods and the local economy. By understanding the dynamics of the marketing system, farmers can optimize their profits and increase their competitiveness in the market.

Q: What are the future research directions for the FFB marketing system in Labuhan Batu?

A: Future research should focus on exploring the impact of the FFB marketing system on farmers' livelihoods and the local economy. Additionally, research should be conducted to identify the factors that influence farmers' decisions about marketing their products and to develop strategies to improve the competitiveness of FFB producers in the market.

Conclusion

The FFB marketing system in Labuhan Batu is a complex process that involves multiple stakeholders and marketing channels. By understanding the dynamics of the marketing system, farmers can optimize their profits and increase their competitiveness in the market. Education and training play a crucial role in empowering farmers to make informed decisions about marketing their products. Future research should focus on exploring the impact of the FFB marketing system on farmers' livelihoods and the local economy.