Spice Products From Management Of Social Groups Ready To Compete In The Global Market

JAKARTA - Global spice needs are increasing along with their diverse functions. So it's no wonder that supply needs also need to be increased.

For this reason, around seven tons of rice, fuse, and clove are officially exported to neighboring countries. This export is supported by production from the Social Forestry area managed by the Forest Farmers Group (KTH), the Village Forest Management Agency (LPHD), and the SHV fostered farmers. Improved harvest quality as well as post-harvest improvements in villages in the last two years resulted in consistent quality and according to international buyer standards. This condition confirms that Maluku spices have great potential to expand premium market penetration in Asia and other regions.

PT Sinar Hijau Ventures (SHV) officially released the first export of around seven tons of nutmeg, furi, and cloves from West Seram Regency to Vietnam. This shipment is an important milestone in efforts to strengthen Maluku's spice supply chain, open international market access for forest farmers, and demonstrate that spice products managed by social forestry groups are ready to compete in the global market.

SHV CEO, Dessi Yuliana, said that this achievement is proof that the capacity of farmers is getting stronger. "This inaugural export provides greater space for Maluku spice farmers. Through harvesting and post-harvest assistance, we ensure that product quality meets international standards so that farmers' income increases and long-term trade opportunities can be open," he said.

Head of the Ambon Social Forestry Center, Ojom Somantri, S.Hut., T., M.Sc., added: In a right harvest and post-harvest way, quality will definitely rise, forests will be maintained, and commodities will be able to penetrate the export market. This proves that farmers of social forestry groups, when accompanied and given market access, can progress without destroying forests.

Meanwhile, the Head of the West Seram KPH UPTD, Fence Purimahua, SH., S.Hut., M.Si., emphasized: "This shipment shows measurable joint work. Spice products from farmers are now ready to compete in the global market, and we hope that the next export volume will increase with the involvement of more social forestry groups."

Since 2023, SHV as social entertainment has worked directly with small farmers and social forestry groups in Maluku through harvest assistance programs, post-harvest training, equipment provision, application of quality standards, and opening of market access. Initiative

The results of the SHV collaboration with the Solidaridad Foundation, UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Canadian Government, the Ambon Social Forestry Center, the Maluku Provincial Forestry Service, and the West Seram KPH UPTD, helped overcome barriers to village commerce and present direct marketing channels that provide higher economic value for the community.

Riska Efriyanti, UNEP-TLGF Project Manager, stressed that Indonesia needs more green business initiatives as done by SHV that prioritizes a balance between business concepts and a sustainable environment with improving the welfare of local farmers, especially those who are members of KUPS through its superior commodities. Moreover, this SHV spice supply chain provides a greater opportunity for women in West Seram to be involved in working and benefiting the economy from this business. UNEP and the Canadian Government through the TLGF project supports a sustainable business and hopes SHV can inspire more parties to explore sustainable agrophorestry in Maluku.

The success of this inaugural export is the first step in strengthening the role of forest farmers in the Maluku spice value chain. Improved harvest quality, post-harvest improvements, and optimizing local spice potential have proven to be able to encourage village economic growth while preserving forests.

In addition, SHV affirms its commitment to strengthening village empowerment through the ESG pillar. The focus includes improving the welfare of farmers, protecting forests, and transparent governance. This approach builds a strong green business foundation and opens up collaboration opportunities for investors or partners who want to support the development of sustainable supply chains in Maluku. SHV places Maluku as a source of quality, ethical, and managed by society on an ongoing basis.