The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)

SEARCA MOA Ref. No. 23-005

USD. 14.999

March 01,  2023 – September 01, 2023

Description

Farmers in the Grobogan area have developed okra as an alternative commodity that can guarantee more stable prices, as rice and corn commodities have high vulnerable to market prices. Farmers often experience losses during the harvest season due to uncontrolled market price fluctuations. Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a plant originating from the African continent whose fruit is widely consumed as a vegetable and medicine. Besides having high nutritional value, this commodity is also a potential product for export. The okra commodity in Grobogan Regency has involved 150 farmers with a land area of 100 ha. However, in the development of okra farming, the challenge that arises is the bargaining power of farmers in determining the price of okra commodities is relatively low.

Penabulu Foundation has developed a blockchain-based tracking and traceability tool for agricultural commodities through the DAKOTA platform, a data processing dashboard to track the supply chain to the agricultural  commodity market chain. This platform aims to realize product traceability/ transparency of commodity supply and price data along the value chain, improve compliance with ICS (Internal Control System) standards, expand / improve marketing networks, increase farmers’ income and encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices.  This research project want to conduct for a feasibility study utilizing the DAKOTA platform to strengthen the supply chain and traceability of okra commodities in Grobogan, Central Java. This research will provide innovative solutions using a digital platform (DAKOTA) to record Okra commodities making it easier for companies and farmers to trace  the commodity production chain accountable.

The general objective of this project is to assess opportunities for implementation the DAKOTA platform and multi-stakeholder cooperation to strengthen the supply chain and traceability of okra commodities. Specifically, the objectives of this project are:

  1. Determine the digitization opportunities in the handling, storage, packaging, transportation, and trading of okra commodities.
  2. Determine the partnership opportunities for multi-stakeholder collaboration in strengthening supply chains and traceability of okra commodities.

Target

This research project has the following target beneficiaries:

  1. Okra farmers community. This study will involve four okra communities in Grobogan area, Central Java. These three communities have 150 members of okra farmers with a land area of 100 hectares.
  2. Village governments in three sub-districts: Godong, Penawangan, and Karang Rayung.
  3. Grobogan Regency Government, Central Java.
  4. PT KAM, a company engaged in the raw vegetable industry, with the main product Edamame, and yet developing okra for export.

Funding

This program is supported by The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) based on document SEARCA MOA Ref. No. 23-005, period March 01, 2023 – September 01, 2023 with total funding support of USD. 14,999, work location Grobogan, Central Java.