This study evaluated the technical performance of the TEP25 young coconut peeling machine for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and compared its performance with conventional manual peeling. The evaluation involved six hybrid young coconuts and three respondents, focusing on peeling time, theoretical capacity, operational efficiency, machine rotational speed, product cleanliness, and user perception. The results demonstrated that the TEP25 performed better than the manual peeling method. The machine achieved an average peeling time of 41.67 s fruit?¹ and a theoretical capacity of 86.39 fruits h?¹, whereas manual peeling required 49.60 s fruit?¹ with a theoretical capacity of 72.58 fruits h?¹. Thus, the TEP25 increased peeling capacity by approximately 19% compared with the manual method. The machine achieved an operational efficiency of 91.67%, assuming approximately 5 min of non-productive time during each hour of operation. Its rotational speed decreased from 1479.2 rpm under no-load conditions to approximately 776 rpm under load, indicating the mechanical response of the system during peeling. In terms of product quality, the TEP25 achieved a coconut-water cleanliness score of 5.00/5.00, compared with 3.33/5.00 for manual peeling. Respondents also rated the machine more favorably for comfort, safety, and ease of operation. Overall, the TEP25 demonstrates promising potential to improve peeling productivity, product cleanliness, and workplace safety in MSMEs, although further evaluation using larger sample sizes is recommended.
This study aims to analyse Supply Chain Management strategies to improve the efficiency of local product distribution. The background of this study is based on the low efficiency of the distribution system, characterised by high logistics costs, long delivery times, and a lack of coordination between supply chain actors. This condition impacts the low competitiveness of products in the market. The research method used is a descriptive approach with a combination of qualitative and quantitative analysis. Data were obtained through interviews, observations, and questionnaires distributed to supply chain actors, including farmers, collectors, wholesalers, and retailers. Data analysis techniques used include descriptive analysis, distribution efficiency analysis, and SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. The results show that long and poorly integrated supply chains are the main causes of distribution inefficiency. In addition, limited infrastructure, low technology utilisation, and weak coordination between actors also worsen distribution performance. Strategies that can be implemented to improve distribution efficiency include supply chain integration, utilisation of digital technology, institutional strengthening, and improvement of logistics systems. In conclusion, effective and integrated supply chain management can improve distribution efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate the flow of products to consumers. Therefore, support is needed from various parties, both business actors and the government, to optimise the supply chain system.
This research endeavors to examine the effect of entrepreneurial knowledge on students' entrepreneurial interest, with self-efficacy serving as a mediating variable. The primary focus of the research is on students who have completed the Independent Business Project (Proyek Usaha Mandiri, PUM) course in the agricultural sector at Politeknik Pertanian Negeri Payakumbuh. The methodology employed is a descriptive research design utilizing a survey method, wherein primary data were collected through structured questionnaires. The research sample consisted of 35 respondents selected using a multiple stage sampling technique. Data analysis was conducted using the Partial Least Square (PLS) structural equation modeling approach. The findings reveal that entrepreneurial knowledge exerts a significant influence on self-efficacy (p-value = 0.000), indicating that mastery of operational, marketing, and financial content provides a cognitive foundation for students to assess their own capabilities in managing business ventures. Furthermore, self-efficacy was found to have a significant effect on entrepreneurial interest (p-value = 0.000), demonstrating that belief in one's personal capacity serves as the primary psychological driver in choosing an entrepreneurial career path. The mediation test confirms that self-efficacy plays a significant role as a "cognitive bridge" (p-value = 0.000) linking entrepreneurial knowledge to entrepreneurial interest. The model yields a Q-square value of 0.69, indicating a strong predictive relevance of 69%. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that knowledge acquired through experiential learning approaches such as the PUM course is more effective in shaping perceptions of personal competence compared to traditional lecture-based methods. Higher education institutions are advised to continue strengthening field-based learning methodologies and to provide supporting infrastructure, such as business incubators, in order to mitigate perceptions of financial risk and reinforce students' mental readiness for entrepreneurial endeavors.
Gambir (Uncaria gambir Roxb.) is a strategic plantation commodity in Indonesia, with West Sumatra Province contributing 80–90% of national exports. Limapuluh Kota Regency, particularly Harau District, is one of the main production centers. Despite its economic potential, gambir farmers face significant challenges, including price volatility, limited bargaining power, and low product quality due to traditional processing methods. These conditions directly affect farm household income stability and, consequently, household consumption patterns. This study aims to analyze total household consumption and its composition — both food and non-food expenditures—among gambir-farming households in Harau District, Limapuluh Kota Regency. The research employed a survey method with a quantitative descriptive approach. The sample consisted of 30 purposively selected gambir farmers from Nagari Harau, Harau District. Data were collected through structured and unstructured interviews, direct observation, and literature studies. The results revealed that the average total household consumption reached IDR 3,716,883 per month (IDR 44,602,600 per year). Food consumption accounted for IDR 2,283,583 per month (61.4% of total consumption), with animal-based protein (IDR 756,667/month) being the highest expenditure component, substantially exceeding staple food expenditure (IDR 454,333/month). Non-food consumption amounted to IDR 1,433,300 per month (38.6%), dominated by transportation (IDR 525,000/month) and education (IDR 529,000/month). Notably, only 20% of respondents paid health insurance independently, while 50% had no regular health expenditure, indicating uneven access to healthcare services.
Rice straw is an abundant agricultural by-product with considerable potential as an alternative feed resource for beef cattle, supporting sustainable crop–livestock integration and reducing dependence on natural forage. However, its utilization remains limited due to low adoption of fermentation technology and traditional extensive livestock management practices. This study aimed to identify priority strategies to optimize the utilization of fermented rice straw in sustainable beef cattle production systems. A quantitative survey was conducted using probability sampling. Primary data were collected through field observations, structured interviews, and questionnaires employing a four-point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Importance–Performance Analysis (IPA), conformity level analysis, and the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The IPA results identified several priority attributes requiring improvement, including year-round straw availability, farmers’ knowledge of fermentation techniques, ease of straw processing, cost efficiency, the use of straw as the primary feed source, and the reduction of free-grazing practices. Attributes related to feed-processing equipment availability and regular stall feeding demonstrated satisfactory performance and should be maintained. The CSI score of 44.35% indicated that farmers were generally dissatisfied with the current utilization of fermented rice straw, reflecting gaps between expectations and actual implementation. These findings suggest that optimizing the utilization of fermented rice straw requires integrated interventions, including practical fermentation training, demonstration plots, continuous extension services, institutional strengthening of farmer groups, and the development of community-based feed enterprises. Such strategies are expected to improve technology adoption and support more sustainable and intensive beef cattle production systems.
