The Potential of Tomohon Palm Sugar From Arenga Pinnata : Tradition, Economy, and Sustainability

In the heart of North Sulawesi Province lies a heritage preserved for generations by local farmers, the tree of life that has sustained many families

The most well-known product from this plant is palm sugar, derived from sap tapped from both male and female flowers. Although this product is produced by small-scale farmers, data from 2023 shows that palm sugar production reached 350,000 tons, all of which was produced by these farmers.

In Tomohon City, North Sulawesi, palm farmers play a crucial role in producing palm sugar, a traditional commodity with significant economic and cultural value. The city boasts vast palm plantations, covering approximately 756 hectares, reflecting the rich genetic diversity of palm trees in the region. The production process, passed down through generations, varies by region. In Kayawu Village, gula semut (Granulated sugar) production has long been a primary income source for many families.

The Potential of Tomohon Palm Sugar From Arenga Pinnata: Local farmers

Additionally, palm farmers in Tomohon City can earn a significant income from tapping nira (Arenga Pinnata sap). Every 7-8 liters of nira can produce approximately 1 kg of palm sugar, with a sugar content of 14%. Farmers’ daily earnings can reach up to IDR 1 million, depending on the number of trees tapped and the productivity of those trees.

Although this potential is already evident, there are still challenges, including the lack of young farmers and access to broader markets. According to data from the Agriculture Department of Tomohon City, the average age of palm farmers currently ranges between 45 and 60 years, while interest among younger generations to continue this profession continues to decline. Vocational education programs and training involving young generations can help raise awareness of the sustainable economic potential of palm sugar. The government can provide incentives such as scholarships for young farmers specializing in palm tree cultivation and processing technologies, micro-enterprise funding to help young farmers start or expand palm sugar-based businesses, and digital marketing initiatives to attract youth and enable them to sell palm sugar products through e-commerce platforms and social media.

Moreover, the current palm sugar production process still relies on traditional methods that require significant time and labor. Modern technological support, such as nira filtering tools, energy-efficient cauldrons, and palm sugar drying machines, would improve production efficiency without compromising product quality, while also helping to reduce the use of firewood, which often poses environmental issues.

The Catholic University of De La Salle Manado, in collaboration with L’Arbre Seho, is helping to create innovations for palm farmers through Community Service activities, supported by a grant from the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology Indonesia in 2024.

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In a global context, the increasing demand for natural sweeteners like palm sugar presents significant potential to reduce the carbon footprint of conventional sugar industries. By wisely utilizing palm forests, L’Arbre Seho contributes to climate change mitigation efforts. Government support in the form of education, technology, and incentive policies is crucial to ensuring the future of palm farmers in Tomohon. Initiatives like L’Arbre Seho serve as a concrete example of how local traditions can be elevated to the global stage through sustainable approaches. In addition to providing economic prosperity to farmers, palm sugar also has a positive impact on environmental preservation and consumer health. With strong synergy between the government, businesses, and communities, the potential of palm sugar as a leading sustainable product can be realized, not only for Tomohon but also for the world.

Check others blog https://palmlarbreseho.com/why-is-palm-sugar-lower-in-glycemic-index-to-white-sugar/

https://news.detik.com/berita/d-5219681/sadap-nira-jadi-gula-aren-petani-tomohon-bisa-dapat-rp-1-juta-hari | https://perkebunan.bsip.pertanian.go.id/berita/pohon-aren-pangan-energi-dan-lingkungan | https://mediaperkebunan.id/aren-tipe-dalam-dari-tomohon/ | ( https://youtu.be/i3VFqesVJyg?si=z_m23dmpQfW1ysbx |