From the Kitchen to the Digital Market: Empowering the Paddinging Village PKK Group through Diversification of Processed Chili Products
In order to increase the added value of agricultural products and strengthen the economic independence of village communities, the Community Service Team (PKM) of the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) implemented a Community Partnership Empowerment Program in Paddinging Village, Sanrobone District, Takalar Regency. This activity was funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DPPM), Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology for Fiscal Year 2026, with the main target being the Paddinging Village PKK group.
The program chaired by apt. Rahmawati, S.Sc., M.Sc., together with members of apt. St. Maryam, S.Si., M.Sc. and Nurfadila, S.E., M.Si., and involving students Sukma and Nayla Rafa Az Zura, aimed at increasing the community's knowledge, skills and entrepreneurial capacity in processing cayenne pepper into value-added products. Diversification is carried out through the development of dried chilies, chili powder and shredded chilies as alternative uses for harvested crops as well as efforts to extend the shelf life and increase the economic value of chilies.The activity began with coordination with the village government and the PKK group, followed by socialization regarding the potential, content, benefits and economic opportunities of cayenne pepper. Furthermore, participants receive direct training and practice in making products, management training in the form of simple bookkeeping, calculating production costs, branding, and digital marketing through social media and marketplaces.
To support program sustainability, the PKM team facilitates the provision of production equipment and provides assistance in group business development. It is hoped that the use of this technology can increase production efficiency, expand processing capacity, and encourage the formation of micro-enterprises based on local potential. In this way, cayenne pepper is not only marketed as a fresh commodity, but can be developed into a processed product that has a longer shelf life, higher selling value and wider market opportunities.
Implementation of this program is a form of synergy between universities, village government and the community in supporting economic empowerment based on local potential. The PKM team expressed its appreciation to the DPPM of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology for funding support through the Community-Based Empowerment Program scheme and to the Indonesian Muslim University through the Community Service Institute (LPkM UMI) for support and facilitation of activities. Through this program, UMI is committed to continuing to implement science and innovation that is relevant to community needs to support increased productivity, economic independence and welfare of village communities. 
