Students of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya (FTP UB) have successfully carried out MMD activities in overcoming the problems of melinjo chip MSME. This MMD program took place (6/7-20/7/2024) in Pojok Village, Ngantru District, Tulungagung Regency, East Java Province. Carrying the title “Making a Melinjo Seed Press Tool Based on a Simple Machine”, this activity aims to help melinjo chip UMKM to facilitate the production process of melinjo chips.
The main series of activities include an introduction program and demonstration of a melinjo seed press tool based on a simple machine. Through this socialization, the community is introduced to a tool that can flatten melinjo seeds based on a simple machine. This tool is expected to ease the burden of MSME workers of melinjo chips, where so far melinjo chips MSME still use 2-3 kg hammers and stones as a base in the process of flattening melinjo seeds.
Group 9 of MMD FTP UB also provides a significant contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This program supports Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG’s 8) through the socialization and demonstration of melinjo seed press tools, as well as Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG’s 9) with the development of melinjo seed press tools. In addition, this program also plays a role in the Partnership to Achieve the Goals (SDG’s 17) through the manufacture and development of this tool by involving partnerships with the private sector.
Nurdawam, who is the head of melinjo chips MSME in Pojok Village, welcomed this activity.
“I got a new understanding about this tool. The Melinjo Seed Press Tool is very useful, but of course there are still some further developments so that this tool is truly efficient to use,” he said. Adam as the village coordinator of group 9 MMD FTP UB, highlighted the importance of this activity as a learning and experience forum for FTP UB students to interact directly with the community and apply technological innovations that are relevant to the needs of sustainable development.
MMD FTP UB not only creates a positive impact on the physical and social environment, but also strengthens student involvement in building their knowledge that can be applied to problems in society. It is hoped that this program will be an important footstep in building synergy between academics, students, and the community in an effort to maintain the sustainability of technology for a better future. [UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
