The Tunas Muda Raknamo OMB in Kupang District has chosen pork as their flagship commodity. This decision is based on two years of learning at a field school organised by Yayasan SHEEP Indonesia (YSI). Through this programme, the group learnt to select and raise superior pig breeds. Novi, one of the OMB members, explained that they use mixed local varieties and make careful seedling selection. Selection criteria include a large number of nipples that are flat and symmetrical, a short mouth, and attention to the number of offspring to avoid inbreeding that can cause disease and disability in pigs.
In addition to sire selection, the group also studied the best treatment for sows. They found that mating the sows on the second day after parturition produced optimal sows. Feeding formulations were also studied, with the addition of palm water as an important component in improving animal quality. This knowledge helped the group maximise the potential of their livestock.
During the field school, OMB members also received training on post-harvest processing. This training aims to find the right formula for processing pigs when they are ready for processing by weight and age. The group was taught to make processed products such as pork sei and meatballs to a good standard. Processing is done with the guidance of related agencies and YSI, using better packaging and a more effective marketing strategy. Previously, products were processed and packaged simply, using only plastic or cardboard. Now, the sei asap and bakso products are packaged with more durable vacuum plastic, allowing them to reach a wider market.
One of the advantages is that the processed products come from pigs that the group farms and raises themselves, allowing them to monitor the quality, weight, and health of the animals on a daily basis. Thus, they can ensure that the meat used is of high quality. In addition to improving the quality of the packaging, the group also applies for licences such as P-IRT for the legality of their processed food products. This step is important to ensure that the products meet applicable safety and health standards.
In an effort to expand their market reach, the group utilises online platforms such as Facebook to market their products. They actively market online and work with delivery services to serve orders from outside Raknamo. This step shows their adaptation to modern marketing trends. Learning at the Field School also teaches each member of the OMB Tunas Muda Raknamo to have a specific role in pig commodity management. They are taught to focus on various aspects such as feed processing, piglet rearing, and post-harvest processing.
