Efforts to advance the local agricultural sector in Southeast Sulawesi continue to be intensified through collaboration between academics and the community. Most recently, the Community Service (PKM) team from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology provided appropriate technology assistance in the form of modern distillation equipment to the Wanse Farmers Group in Konawe Urban Village, West Muna Regency.
The program, conducted in early June 2026, aims to overcome a classic obstacle faced by farmers: the use of inefficient traditional equipment. The adoption of this new technology is expected to optimize both the quantity and quality of patchouli oil produced, thereby significantly increasing farmers' income.
Head of the PKM Team, Dr. Irnawati, stated that this initiative includes three strategic approaches. In addition to installation and technical training on using the distillation equipment, the team also equipped farmers with product diversification skills, such as producing aromatherapy humidifier liquids to increase market value.
Beyond focusing on production aspects, this mentoring also touches on business management and financial literacy for the farmers group. With the implementation of a simple financial record-keeping system and digital marketing strategies, farmers are expected to be better prepared to face broader market challenges.
The Head of the Wanse Farmers Group welcomed the technological support. He believes this touch of modernization serves as a turning point for farmers to become more independent and competitive in managing the local natural resource potential in West Muna Regency.
