BONDOWOSO – Mangoes are one of the horticultural commodities with strong potential for development in rural areas. Therefore, Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) is promoting more standardized mango cultivation and postharvest handling practices.

Through a Community Service Program, the Polije team provided assistance to Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Manggis 4 in Bondowoso Regency. The team consisted of Dian Galuh Pratita, Huda Oktafa, and Anggita Rizky Fadilah, with funding support from the Directorate of Research and Community Service.

However, high mango production does not always result in consistent quality. Farmers also face challenges in maintaining food safety, improving cultivation efficiency, and strengthening product competitiveness.

Therefore, the Polije team encouraged the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The practices cover land management, selection of planting materials, crop maintenance, fertilization, pest and disease control, water management, and harvesting.

“The implementation of GAP encourages changes in cultivation practices toward a more standardized and efficient agricultural system,” Dian Galuh Pratita said.

Furthermore, the team strengthened postharvest handling through Hot Water Treatment (HWT) technology. The technology supports the implementation of Good Handling Practices (GHP), enabling farmers to maintain mango quality after harvest.

“Good cultivation practices need to be followed by proper postharvest handling. This helps maintain fruit quality and optimize its market value,” Dian explained.

In addition to training, the Polije team provided an HWT installation, sorting tables, and stainless-steel containers. The team also prepared training modules to help KWT members operate the technology independently.

Through the assistance program, KWT members learned harvesting, sorting, grading, and packaging techniques. GAP and HWT can therefore strengthen the mango agribusiness chain from the farm to market-ready products.