STRENGTHENING AGRIBUSINESS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND SALES VALUE OF COCOA BEANS IN WOMEN FARMERS' GROUPS IN ANTUTAN VILLAGE

Abstract

Antutan village is located in Tanjung Palas, Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan Province. This village has the potential in developing cocoa and rice plantations. However, most of the land is used for growing cocoa, so the output can improve the economy of Antutan village sustainably. The cocoa cultivation techniques are still done traditionally or manually, starting from peeling, drying, to fermentation techniques. Apart from the traditional cultivation techniques, there are several other issues that can lower the quality and market value of cocoa beans, such as pests and diseases that can attack cocoa plants at any time. The efforts of the women farmers' group in addressing these issues are quite serious, thus they must be carried out with care and precision. Therefore, it is important to maintain the quality of cocoa beans, as it can improve productivity and the selling value of high-quality cocoa beans. This fermentation process plays a very important role in developing the flavor and aroma of cocoa beans, thus enhancing the overall quality of cocoa. The higher price reflects the quality of the fermented cocoa beans, which are highly sought after in the premium chocolate market for their ability to provide a more complex and unique taste in the final product.