UNDIP, Semarang (January 22, 2025) – The Acting Regent of Magetan Regency, Nizhamul, met with a Plasma Technology Scientist from Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nur DEA, on Monday, January 22, 2025. This strategic meeting aimed to support the availability of nutritious and healthy food sources. The initiative for nutritious lunch programs needs to be backed by pesticide-free horticultural products as essential sources of nutrition.
Held at a historic pavilion in Magetan Regency, the meeting was attended by the Head of Bappeda, the Head of the Agriculture Office, and several department heads from agencies such as the Cooperative Office, Trade Office, and Agriculture Office. The discussion centered on developing a horticultural packaging house in Magetan Regency, which is located at the foot of Mount Lawu. This region has immense potential in the agricultural sector, particularly in horticulture. Its highland geography and cool climate make it highly suitable for cultivating horticultural crops such as chilies, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, and various vegetables and fruits.
Despite its potential, local farmers often face significant post-harvest losses, market price fluctuations, and limited access to modern technologies to maintain crop quality. Another major challenge is the presence of pesticide residue contamination in horticultural products.
To address these issues, the concept of a Horticultural Packaging House using modern technology, such as ozone plasma, emerges as an innovative solution. This facility is designed to not only handle post-harvest processing but also add value to horticultural products, extend their shelf life, and expand market access, both domestically and internationally.
Horticultural Potential in Magetan Regency
Magetan Regency possesses agricultural land located at 1,000-1,500 meters above sea level, making it ideal for horticultural crops. The average temperature ranges from 18-25°C, providing optimal conditions for horticultural farming. Additionally, the volcanic mineral content from Mount Lawu further enhances the region’s agricultural productivity.
According to data from BPS (2017-2020), the average annual horticultural production in Magetan includes the following:
- Leek: 10,701.25 tons
- Shallots: 2,557 tons
- Garlic: 257.5 tons
- Curly red chili: 2,261 tons
- Bird’s eye chili: 637 tons
- Green beans: 2,674.75 tons
- Carrots: 23,569.25 tons
- Tomatoes: 3,050.25 tons
- Mustard greens: 7,757.25 tons
Challenges and Solutions: Ozone Plasma-Based Packaging House
A common issue faced is the post-harvest damage rate, which reaches 20-30% due to inadequate handling during storage and distribution. Additionally, product prices often plummet during peak harvest seasons due to limited market access. There is also minimal use of modern technology in post-harvest processing. The Horticultural Packaging House is designed as a modern facility that integrates ozone plasma technology for processing, packaging, and storage of harvested products. One of its key features is the cleaning process using ozone plasma, following a standardized procedure that has received Indonesian National Standard (Standar Nasional Indonesia / SNI) certification, with Prof. Muhammad Nur as the conceptor. The Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for ozone technology in horticultural products is SNI 8759:2019, titled:
“Post-harvest horticultural product storage equipment using ozone technology – Quality requirements and test methods.”
How is ozone used in washable horticultural products? Horticultural products are washed using ozonated water to remove pesticide residues, bacteria, and fungi. This step is followed by packaging, which helps preserve freshness for a more extended period and enhance consumer appeal. The packaged products can then be distributed directly to traditional and modern markets. Additionally, storing products in an ozone-equipped cooling room can extend their shelf life by 2-3 times. With this treatment mechanism, post-harvest losses can be reduced to below 10%.
Beneficial Technology
Who benefits from the implementation of Ozone Plasma Technology, developed by the Center for Plasma Research at UNDIP? Many parties benefit from this latest technology; the consumers receive hygienic and high-quality products. Farmers can sell their produce for a longer period because the freshness is maintained for an extended time. For the local governments, the regional income (Pendapatan Asli Daerah / PAD) will be increased due to market expansion and higher demand for locally sourced products.
This post-harvest preservation technology also supports food security programs and local economic development.
New Technology and Farmer Empowerment
Ozone plasma technology for horticultural products is the result of advanced research and innovation. As a new technology, farmers need to understand its importance and learn how to utilize Horticultural Packaging House facilities effectively. The development of Packaging Houses will involve collaboration between local governments, farmer groups, and academics. Relevant agencies will partner with universities, such as Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), which has extensive experience in ozone plasma technology and has already assisted multiple horticultural packaging houses in various regions.
By using Horticultural Packaging Houses, farmers will achieve higher selling prices and broader market access, leading to more stable incomes. The technology will also reduce losses from post-harvest damage.
Furthermore, the packaging houses will create new job opportunities in the processing, packaging, and marketing of horticultural products.
The development of Horticultural Packaging Houses in Magetan Regency, located at the foot of Mount Lawu, is a strategic step to maximize the region’s horticultural potential. With the support of ozone plasma technology, this initiative aims to improve farmers’ quality of life, expand market reach, and establish Magetan Regency as a leading horticultural hub in Indonesia. A successful implementation of this initiative depends on collaboration between local governments, academics, and farmers.
