HAVMATE (HARVEST MATE): BREAKING THE BOUNDARY FOR FARMERS TO THE MARKET

Abstract

The issue of long chain distribution and the monopoly of middlemen in agriculture is critical for food sustainability and the prosperity of farmers in Indonesia, where 40% of the population relies on farming (Ayun et al., 2020). This dependency on middlemen results in inflated prices and reduced quality of goods due to hoarding and monopolistic practices. Integrating web-based applications can empower farmers to offer their goods directly to the market and negotiate with potential customers, thus enhancing the food distribution system. By enabling farmers to compare offering prices and customer distances, these applications help them better understand their target market and make informed decisions. The Havmate application exemplifies this strategy, providing a platform for farmers to connect directly with customers, eliminating the need for middlemen. Testing scenarios have demonstrated that Havmate’s functions perform as expected, facilitating efficient and direct farmer-to-market transactions. This approach aims to ensure that farmers receive a fairer share of the profits, sustain their livelihoods more effectively, and contribute significantly to food sustainability and economic prosperity in Indonesia.