Seaweed (Kappaphycus Alvarezii) as Potential Commodity in Added Value Development for The Prosperity of Sumba Timur Regency Communities, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province

Abstract

This study aims to determine the distribution of value added among the three main stakeholders in seaweed farming in the Province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), namely the farmers, traders and seaweed industries. The study applied a qualitative and quantitative method through a survey, direct observation, and interviews. Data were representatively and purposively collected. The study used descriptive analysis, focus group discussion, and simple mathematics. Results showed that payback period was 0.72 meaning that the investment could be returned in 8 months; break-even point (BEP) per seaweed culture business unit was IDR. 3,435.77; the break-even point of production was 2,007.50 kg; benefit-cost (B/C) was 1.09 meaning that the seaweed culture was feasible to do. There were 3 successive seaweed marketing channels such as producer, collector, merchant, manufacturer, consumer, or direct delivery from producers to consumers, producer to collecting merchant, big merchant to the consumer. The added value was IDR. 3,575/kg for the seaweed farmer, IDR. 2,175/kg for big merchant, and IDR. 41,000/kg for seaweed industry.