Diversification of Local Food Products through the Implementation of Banana Heart Processing at KWT Mekar Bersama
Lecturers at the Indonesian Muslim University (UMI) Makassar, through the Community Service Institute (LPkM-UMI), carried out Community Partnership Program (PKM) activities for the Women Farmers Group "Mekar Bersama" on Sunday 5 October 2025. The Community Service Lecturer Team was chaired by Dr. Ir. Nurliani, MS. with Dr. Suherah, SP., MP and involved 2 students.
This activity is a form of implementation of the Higher Education Tri Dharma program by providing counseling and assistance regarding "Diversification of Local Food Products through Making Banana Heart Satay". This activity is in partnership with the Women Farmers group in Bonto Bunga Village, Moncongloe District, Maros Regency. Attended by the Village Head, Mr. H. Muhammad Nasir, S.Ag and the head of the women's farmer group, Mrs. Nurhayati and members.
Dr. Nurliani revealed that banana plants are a local commodity that is easy to obtain. One of the production of banana plants is banana blossoms which are usually only processed conventionally as vegetable ingredients. The phenomenon we observe is due to abundant production, sometimes it is thrown away. Even though banana blossoms have many uses and nutritional content that is good for health. The high fiber content in banana blossoms can help facilitate digestion, bind fat and cholesterol.
On the same occasion, Dr. Suherah explained that the average age of women farmer group members was in the range of 40-60 years. At this age, food consumption patterns are recommended to consume foods rich in fiber, fruit and vegetables. For this reason, activities are carried out to process banana blossoms as a fibrous food into banana blossom satay as a cheap but nutritious food.
To overcome this problem, the focus of activities is on increasing the knowledge and skills of KWT members and the surrounding community through counseling and mentoring activities. Extension activities regarding banana cultivation techniques, information on the benefits and nutritional content of bananas and banana blossoms. Meanwhile, the mentoring activities focus on demonstrating how to process banana blossoms into cheap, fiber-rich and nutritious food.
In this Community Partnership Program (PKM) activity, we also provide assistance with a grinding machine (Chopper). This tool can be used to grind banana flower raw materials and spices. "This PKM activity was carried out with financial and financial assistance from the UMI Waqf Foundation through the Community Service Institute (LPkM-UMI) which has supported the implementation of this activity. We, the service team, would like to thank you," he concluded.
