POTENTIAL OF FRUIT PLANTS AND OPPORTUNITIES OF PRODUCT DIVERSIFICATION IN DUSUNG PATTERN FARMERS IN WAKAL VILLAGE, AMBON ISLAND
Jan W. Hatulesila1, Amran Achmad2, Daud Malamassam2, Samsuddin Millang2

1) Faculty of Agriculture - Pattimura University
2) Faculty of Forestry - Hasanuddin University

Abstract

Wanatani or Agroforestry in Maluku is commonly known as dusung. The dusung pattern is the traditional use of land as a form of local wisdom of the local community from passing down on land resources and its ecosystem. This farming system is a pattern of combining agricultural plants with forestry plants on a stretch of land. The potential types of fruit plants in several villages on Ambon Island are generally diverse. When harvesting, the types of fruit trees, which are sometimes abundant, are wasted because they are damaged because they are left alone without further processing management. For this reason, research is needed related to the distribution of fruit crops per hectare, the potential for production every season and opportunities for product diversification to improve the welfare of the farming community.
This study used a qualitative descriptive method through observation techniques to collect potential data and interview information related to the experience and knowledge of farmers about fruit crop cultivation and their views related to product development from fruit types to increase income. The results showed that Wakal Village had an area of customary ownership by each household or / clan / family covering an area of 40 ha. There are 10 types of fruit crop products that have economic value with an average of 0.5 - 5 ha of arable land owned by dusung farmers. The alternative of fruit diversification into processed products to increase the income of dusung farmers is a profitable alternative

Keywords: Potential of Fruit Plants, Product Diversification, Dusung Pattern Wanatani

Topic: Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development