Peningkatan Nilai Ekonomi Gaharu (Aquilaria malaccensis) melalui Optimalisasi Bibit, Induksi Gubal, dan Inovasi Teh Herbal Gaharu di UMKM Garuri, Padang

Abstract

Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis L.) is a highly valuable non-timber forest product, but its natural resin formation is slow and heavily reliant on exploitation, prompting a critical need for sustainable cultivation and product diversification. This community empowerment program addresses the challenges faced by the UMKM Garuri in Padang, specifically regarding raw material continuity and product commercialization. The study aimed to optimize seedling production, introduce agarwood resin induction technologies, and innovate herbal tea processing to enhance the overall economic value. Employing Participatory Action Research (PAR) combined with agronomic demonstrations, the program integrated upstream and downstream interventions over eight months. The methods encompassed vegetative propagation of wildlings using Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), physical and biological stress induction for resin formation, and standardized herbal tea processing. Economic feasibility and productivity were evaluated using the Hayami method. The results demonstrated a high technical efficiency in seedling production, achieving an 82.5% conversion rate to produce 1,650 viable seedlings. Furthermore, herbal tea processing successfully converted raw leaves into 300 boxes of commercial products. The economic evaluation revealed an added value of IDR 18,132,750 per seedling production cycle with a 100% profit ratio, and IDR 17,985,000 from herbal tea production with a 90.99% profit ratio, culminating in a cumulative business profitability of 95.49%. The integration of precision agronomy and downstream processing creates a robust circular agribusiness model that significantly optimizes the economic potential of agarwood while ensuring environmental sustainability.