In an effort to support community welfare and prevent stunting through the use of local food products, the Kosabangsa Team (Social Collaboration for Nation Building) from Muhammadiyah University of Purworejo (UMPWR) together with the Kosabangsa Team from General Achmad Yani University of Yogyakarta (Unjaya) conducted a mentoring activity for the Putri Manunggal Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Srikayangan Village, Sentolo District, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.
During the activity, the team handed over solar panels to support the production of fried shallots with various flavors. Solar energy is used as an environmentally friendly energy source in the drying and processing of shallots, thereby reducing production costs and increasing business efficiency, as well as strengthening local food security based on environmentally friendly resources.
This program is part of the “Improvement of Local Food Products and Prevention of Stunting through the Application of IoT-Based Drying Technology and Smart Cages for the Extremely Poor” initiative under the umbrella of Kosabangsa – Diktisaintek Berdampak. In this case, UMPWR is the accompanying team consisting of Prof. Dr. Suyitno, M.Pd. – Head of the Accompanying Team; Dr. Jeki Mediantari Wahyu W., S.Pi., M.Eng., M.Si. – Member; Dr. Murry Hermawan Saputra, S.E., M.Sc. – Member. Meanwhile, from Unjaya, the implementing team consists of Dr. Bdn. Tri Sunarsih, SST., M.Kes. – Chair of the Implementing Team; Kharisma, S.T., M.Cs. – Member; and Ari Okta Viyani, S.E., M.Sc. – Member.
Additionally, the development of processed red onion products also holds strategic value in improving family nutrition and reducing stunting rates through the provision of nutritious food and economic opportunities for the community, particularly women in rural areas.
Through cross-university collaboration, this program is expected to become a model for sustainable community empowerment with a real impact. Prof. Dr. Suyitno, M.Pd., as the Head of the Advisory Team from UMPWR, said that this cross-university collaboration is a form of synergy to create a real impact on rural communities. Renewable energy innovation and the empowerment of women farmers are key to local-based economic sustainability.
Furthermore, Prof. Suyitno expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the support provided. “We are greatly helped by these solar panels. The production process for fried shallots has become more efficient, and we can innovate with various flavors. Hopefully, this business can increase the income of KWT members and help improve the nutrition of families in Srikayangan Village,” he said.
With the support of renewable energy technology and ongoing guidance from universities, it is hoped that KWT Putri Manunggal can continue to grow as an example of a resilient women's group that is economically independent, environmentally friendly, and contributes to reducing stunting rates in rural areas.
