Peningkatan Nilai Tambah Cabai melalui Pelatihan Produksi Cabai Bubuk Berbasis Teknologi Solar Dryer di Desa Liabalano, Kabupaten Muna, Sulawesi Tenggara

Abstract

Liabalano Village, Muna Regency, has considerable agricultural potential, as most of its area is utilized for agricultural activities and smallholder plantations. Most of the local community works as farmers, with chili being one of the horticultural commodities that has the potential to be developed into value-added food products. However, the high moisture content of fresh chilies makes them susceptible to deterioration, resulting in limited shelf life and economic value. This community service activity aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of the community in processing fresh chilies into dried chilies and chili powder using solar dryer technologies. The activity was conducted through training and hands-on practice, including sorting, washing, drying, grinding, sieving, and packaging. The solar dryer was utilized as a solar energy-based drying technology. This activity is expected to enhance the community's skills in producing hygienic products, extend shelf life, increase the added value of locally produced chilies, and create opportunities for developing food-based businesses utilizing the village's local potential.