Sago Cultivation Can't Match Processing Technology, Researcher is Worried

TheIndonesia.id - Sago researcher at Pattimura University Ambon, Wardis Girsang, said that sago processing technology has changed from traditional to modern. This trend is worrying as is not in line with cultivation.

"Changes in sago processing must be in line with efforts to replant or cultivate sago trees because the speed of machine technology is not proportional to the speed of growth," he said, Wednesday, May 11, 2022.

Sago processing activities are now getting easier. Previously, sago processing used traditional methods, but now it has turned to machines. Meanwhile, there is no mass sago cultivation such as oil palm, cocoa, and others.

"We do not have sago plantations, but sago forests which, according to their nature, reproduce and do not need to be planted, but reproduce themselves and will disappear if they are replaced with buildings," he said.

He admitted that sago cultivation is important not only for the environment and food security but also for the local economy so as not to depend on foreign food imports for future generations.

While the population of sago plants in Maluku Province is increasingly threatened by the widespread conversion of sago forests into residential areas and agricultural land, namely vegetables. The sago area is also not a choice even though it is environmentally friendly. From a food security perspective, it guarantees food security for generations.

"Therefore, modern sago processing must be in line with replanting sago trees for sustainability and to support food security," he said.

He added that traditional and modern sago processing can be seen from the advantages and disadvantages. In terms of speed, he said, using traditional tools is slow, but it can maintain a balance between growing plants and being cut.