Performance of Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) Post Harvest and Marketing in East Halmahera Regency

Abstract

Nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans ) is an evergreen tree indigenous to Banda Island of Indonesia. In 2018 nutmeg production in Indonesia was 36,242 tons from 202,325 ha land, whereas the biggest production from the center production i.e. North Maluku Province. The aim of the study was to determine the performance of nutmeg postharvest and marketing at the farmer level in East Halmahera Regency. Data were obtained from thirty farmers as respondents with a purposive sampling method using questionnaires. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. Observation components were included the weight of nutmeg, fruit flesh, wet nutmeg, dry nutmeg, wet mace, and dry mace. The results showed that harvesting in this area was carried out 2-3 times a year. The harvest period is January-August, March-September and April-December with the average production in each harvest time was 1-4 kg per tree. Nutmeg was harvested using a pole and all fall nutmeg were collected. About 70% of farmers processed the nutmeg directly after harvesting. The main postharvest procession was separating and drying the nutmeg. The nutmeg was separated into three parts, i.e., the nutmeg pulp, seed, and mace. The drying procession was carried out by 60% of farmers that were different for each part, the nutmeg seed need 5-6 days and the mace need 1 day under sunshine. The range of nutmeg fruit components was varied with nutmeg pulp of 85.64-88.69%, fresh seeds of 9.45-12.04%, dry seeds of 6.45-8.28%, fresh mace of 1.40-2.51% and dry mace of 0.66-1.46%. Nutmeg seeds are sorted and graded by separating whole, wrinkled and crushed seeds. Marketing channels consist of village collectors, traders at Maba city and traders from outside the district, generally from Ternate. All harvested products were sent to Ternate in the form of seeds and mace.