Clustering Patterns of Food Crops to Increase Community Income in Papua Province

Abstract

Sweet potato is a potential commodity in Papua Province, but so far, it has only provided traditional benefits and has not been able to contribute significantly to the agricultural sector and the economy. To address this, a pilot model for the development of the sweet potato processing industrial cluster is needed. This model will help interested parties to see the development model being applied, and it will provide optimal benefits. The development of industrial clusters for superior sweet potato products in Papua Province has the potential to diversify the economy and increase the selling value of the community. The two clusters that have been formed are small-scale, farmer-level based sweet potato industry clusters and medium-scale sweet potato industrial clusters. Both clusters need the support of policymakers, banks, and the assistance of researchers and extension workers to support the process from cultivation, post-harvest to processing into sweet potato flour. To increase sweet potato production, it is necessary to extend the land and increase public interest in planting sweet potatoes. Farmers should also receive fair prices so that they do not experience losses. The Department of Trade and Agriculture should monitor market prices, especially for sweet potato commodities, to ensure that farmers receive fair prices. In summary, the development of sweet potato processing industrial clusters has great potential in Papua Province to diversify the economy and increase the selling value of the community. However, it requires the support of policymakers, banks, and the assistance of researchers and extension workers to achieve optimal benefits.