UNHAS Drives Sidrap Food Security Through the MAHAKARYA Program and Study Program Community Service Together with the Mawar Women Farmers Group
The Food Crop Production Technology Study Program (TPTP), Faculty of Vocational Studies, Unhas, takes a group photo with the chairperson and members of the Mawar Women Farmers Group (KWT) during the MAHAKARYA program activity, in Sidrap Regency. Saturday, (06/21). Photo: Personal Documentation.
Sidrap, June 21, 2025 — Local food innovation has once again come to the forefront in Sidenreng Rappang Regency. Through the Unhas Student Achievement Program (MAHAKARYA) and the Community Service initiative of the Food Crop Production Technology Study Program, Faculty of Vocational Studies, Hasanuddin University (Unhas), a student team together with the Mawar Women Farmers Group (KWT) successfully developed nutrient-rich flour based on broken rice and moringa leaves, along with a range of derivative products. The program is designed to strengthen food security while increasing the economic value of local resources.
The initiative highlights the potential of broken rice — a by-product of rice milling that has long been underutilized — as well as moringa leaves, which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein. Through intensive training, members of KWT Mawar were equipped with the skills to process both ingredients into fortified flour and a variety of products such as cookies, bread, and nutritious snacks.
Team leader Syahri Ramadani noted that the program focuses not only on food processing, but also on strengthening marketing capacity. "We hope these skills will encourage economic independence among KWT members and make a real contribution to family food security in Sidrap," he said.
Supervising lecturer Irwan, S.TP., M.T.P., emphasized that collaboration among students, lecturers, and the community is key to the program's success. "This program is in line with Unhas's mission to deliver research-based solutions that directly benefit the community, particularly in the agricultural and food sectors," he explained.
Beyond technical training, the team also assisted with packaging design, taste testing, and digital media-based marketing strategies. The high enthusiasm of KWT Mawar members was evident from their active participation in every session, from ingredient introduction to hands-on production practice.
With this innovation, it is hoped that Sidenreng Rappang Regency can serve as a model for the development of nutritious local food driven by women farmers, while at the same time opening up new business opportunities based on the region's local potential.