Financial Analysis and Marketing of Pakkat from Rattan Seel (Daemonorops Melanochaetes Bl.) in Simangambat District, North Padang Lawas Regency

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FORMOSA NEWS - Sumatera Utara - The harvesting and processing of young rattan shoots (Daemonorops melanochaetes Bl.), locally known as pakkat, represents a highly viable and financially lucrative enterprise for rural communities in North Sumatra. This conclusion comes from a comprehensive economic study conducted by researchers Yunus Afifuddin, Rosadi Patra Tanjung, Agus Purwoko, and Hafnita Misrawati Harahap from Universitas Sumatera Utara. Published in January 2026, the investigation evaluated non-timber forest product utilization in the Simangambat District of North Padang Lawas Regency. The findings provide crucial empirical evidence that traditional forest-derived commodities often overlooked as low-value products can reliably sustain rural livelihoods and boost local economic development.

Rural populations residing near forest borders frequently rely on non-timber forest products to generate household income. In the Tapanuli region, the upper tender stems of rattan plants are harvested, peeled, and prepared as a traditional culinary vegetable called pakkat. Market demand for this delicacy experiences significant seasonal spikes, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. However, off-peak demand drops, causing many local gatherers to halt production due to a lack of precise economic data regarding profitability and market efficiency. This knowledge gap has historically restricted local participation in commercial rattan cultivation and distribution.

To evaluate the economic sustainability of pakkat production, the research team from Universitas Sumatera Utara surveyed 27 active harvesting households across four major producing villages in Simangambat District: Tanjung Botung, Ulok Tano, Pagaran Tonga, and Tanjung Maria. The researchers gathered data on operational costs, harvest yields, pricing dynamics, and distribution networks. The team applied standard financial evaluation methods, including total revenue and net income calculations, Revenue-Cost Ratio (R/C) assessment, Break-Even Point (BEP) analysis, and Payback Period metrics. They also traced marketing channels to assess margin distribution and operational efficiency among supply chain actors.

The investigation yielded key quantitative results demonstrating the financial strength and market viability of the pakkat industry:

• Positive Net Revenue: During a single four-day production cycle, average operational expenses total IDR 474,270.83, while total revenue reaches IDR 720,000.00 from a average yield of 1,200 stems sold at IDR 600 per unit. This yields a net profit of IDR 245,729.17 per cycle.
  
• Strong Profitability Index: The enterprise achieved a Revenue-Cost (R/C) Ratio of 1.5. An R/C ratio exceeding 1.0 confirms that the processing of young rattan yields substantial net returns above operational costs.
  
• Low Operating Risk: The Break-Even Point for production quantity (BEP Unit) was calculated at 790 stems, while the price break-even point (BEP Price) was IDR 392.50 per stem. Because actual production (1,200 stems) and selling prices (IDR 600) comfortably exceed these thresholds, producers operate with a wide safety margin against financial losses.
  
• Rapid Capital Recovery: The investment payback period was calculated at 2.71 production cycles. This extremely short capital recovery timeline indicates low financial risk and quick capital turnover for smallholders.
  
• Efficient Supply Chains: Pakkat distribution operates through two primary channels: Channel I (Farmers $\rightarrow$ Collectors $\rightarrow$ Consumers) and Channel II (Farmers $\rightarrow$ Collectors $\rightarrow$ Retailers $\rightarrow$ Consumers). Both channels maintain an overall marketing margin of IDR 900 per stem, with farmers securing a 40% share of the final consumer price.
  
• High Market Efficiency: Operational mark-up rates stayed below 50% across all intermediaries (33% for collectors and 40% for retailers), classifying both marketing channels as operationally efficient.
  

The practical implications of this research extend directly to rural development, forest conservation policies, and micro-enterprise growth. Demonstrating the clear profitability of non-timber forest products encourages local communities to maintain forest cover and adopt sustainable harvesting techniques rather than converting forest land entirely into agricultural plantations. Furthermore, establishing that market distribution channels are operationally efficient provides financial confidence to local entrepreneurs, microfinance institutions, and regional policymakers seeking to formalize the traditional food sector. Highlighting the practical value of the study, the research team emphasized the role of non-timber forest resources in community empowerment. "Our financial and marketing analysis demonstrates that pakkat processing yields consistent economic returns and operates within a highly efficient distribution system in Simangambat District," noted lead researcher Yunus Afifuddin and his colleagues from Universitas Sumatera Utara.

Author Profiles
Yunus Afifuddin, S.Hut., M.Si.: Researcher at Universitas Sumatera Utara specializing in forest resource management and forestry economics.
Dr. Rosadi Patra Tanjung, S.Hut., M.Si.: Academic and researcher at Universitas Sumatera Utara with expertise in socio-economics of forestry and non-timber forest products.
Dr. Ir. Agus Purwoko, S.Hut., M.Si.: Senior lecturer at Universitas Sumatera Utara focusing on environmental governance, natural resource conservation, and community-based forestry economics.
Hafnita Misrawati Harahap, S.Hut., M.Si.: Lead corresponding researcher at Universitas Sumatera Utara specializing in financial feasibility analysis and agricultural commodity marketing.

Source 
Yunus Afifuddin, Rosadi Patra Tanjung, Agus Purwoko, Hafnita Misrawati Harahap. Financial Analysis and Marketing of Pakkat from Rattan Seel (Daemonorops Melanochaetes Bl.) in Simangambat District, North Padang Lawas Regency. International Journal of Scientific Multidisciplinary Research (IJSMR). Vol. 4, No. 1 2026, Halaman 69–76.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/ijsmr.v4i1.875
URL: https://mryformosapublisher.org/index.php/ijsmr