Abdimas: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat Universitas Merdeka Malang
Vol. 11 No. 1 (2026): February 2026

Farmer empowerment through training on palm sugar standardization in Eastern Coastal Region of North Sumatera

Dolly Sojuangan Siregar (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Rosmayati (Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Rahmat Suryanto Pirngadi (Department of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Anggreiny (Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Feb 2026

Abstract

The production of palm sugar in Indonesia has great economic potential but is mostly carried out traditionally without quality standards. This condition reduces the competitiveness, selling value, and market access of local products. This community service activity, conducted in Sungai Ular Village, Teluk Belida street, Secanggang District, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra Province, aims to enhance local producers’ skills in manufacturing standardized palm sugar that meets the Indonesian National Standard (SNI 3743:2021). The method included socialization, technical training, application of appropriate technology, production mentoring, and quality evaluation. Ten local artisans participated and were trained in hygienic production, modern packaging, and digital marketing. The results showed an 80 percent improvement in participants’ skills, a 20 percent increase in production efficiency, and the creation of two new product variants: palm sugar granules and palm syrup. This program successfully formed the “Kelompok Usaha Gula Aren Sungai Ular” business group, which now produces the branded product “Gula Aren Sungai Ular” with PIRT (Pangan Industri Rumah Tangga) certification and active digital branding. The training serves as a model of community economic empowerment based on local potential and cultural identity.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jpkm

Publisher

Subject

Humanities

Description

ABDIMAS: Published by Institute for Research and Community Services (Lembaga Penelitian dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (LPPM)) University of Merdeka Malang as the implementation of science, technology, economics, environment, and social in empowering the community. ABDIMAS: Jurnal Pengabdian ...