WartaBulukumba.Com – In a fertile valley in the Balangtieng watershed, Bulukumba Regency, South Sulawesi, a tree towers high, like a loyal secret guard. Known as the bissa paeng tree, it gazes majestically at the sky, embracing all the natural beauty around it. In his arms, there is hidden goodness that is not clear, creeping into the hearts of sugar palm farmers. Like a fairy tale that never fades, it tells of countless natural wonders, flowing in the endless flow of time. Also read: The face of Bulukumba from palm sugar farmers: Sowing environmental awareness in the Balantieng watershed with Dana Mitra Tani. The beauty of the bissa paeng tree does not only lie in its dashing physical form. Furthermore, the tree brings blessings to the surrounding farmers.

Since ancient times, they have understood the magic of the bark of this tree. Its benefits, especially in palm sugar production, have been an invaluable secret passed down from generation to generation. Processed wisely, the bark becomes the main ingredient in the production of high quality palm sugar. Through a careful process, the bark is mixed with palm juice, creating a distinctive concoction that produces palm sugar with unmatched taste and quality. This process is not just a transformation of materials, but also a significant change in quality. The roots and bark of the bissa paeng tree provide an invaluable natural touch, giving unique characteristics to the resulting palm sugar. The end result is natural palm sugar that is not only delicious, but also has good quality. Also Read: Balangtieng Watershed, the ‘guardians of the earth’s nectar’ and the Bulukumba Farmer Partners Fund Economic and ecological benefits Sugar palm farmer, Sapri, near the bissa paeng tree in his sugar palm plantation/WartaBulukumba.Com However, the beauty of this process does not only lie in the end result. More than that, the use of this natural material also has a positive impact on the surrounding environment.

Farmers who rely on bissa paeng trees for palm sugar production not only achieve better results economically, but also help preserve the surrounding nature. Sapri, a sugar palm farmer in Orogading Village, Kindang District, proudly shares his experience with the bissa paeng tree. “The roots or bark of the Bissa Paeng tree are used as a mixture of sap to produce quality and natural palm sugar products,” said Sapri with sparkling eyes on Sunday, March 17 2024. Also read: Sweet traces of palm sugar farmers and Dana Mitra Tani Bulukumba: Igniting the furnace of ecological awareness and cooperatives. This middle-aged man has been a sugar palm farmer since he was a teenager in his village. A machete was slung at his waist, simple garden clothes wrapped his sturdy body. “This has become the legacy of our palm farming family, passed down from generation to generation,” added Sapri.

Efforts to preserve the bissa paeng tree. The visit of Sri Puswandi, Chair of the Bulukumba Farmer Partners Fund, and a group of sugar palm farmers to farmers’ gardens in Orogading Village became an important moment. Through discussions and direct meetings with farmers, they committed to planting bissa paeng trees as an effort to increase the population of this very valuable tree. Not only that, planting these trees is also a concrete action in efforts to preserve the Balangtieng watershed. Sugar palm farmers in the area welcomed the bissa paeng tree planting initiative. “We realize how rare and valuable this tree is, as well as awareness of the importance of preserving nature,” said Sri Puswandi. This initiative is part of the sugar palm farmer assistance program in the Balangtieng Watershed Area, which is supported by various institutions such as GEF-SGP Indonesia, Environmental Business Development Foundation, Balang Institute, and UNDP. Dana Mitra Tani, together with sugar palm farming families, have started concrete steps in implementing this program since February 2024. Tree planting, as well as care and education related to nature conservation, are an inseparable part of their efforts. This is a collaborative effort that reflects the spirit of mutual cooperation and concern for environmental sustainability. The bissa paeng tree is not just a tree. It is a symbol of local wisdom, natural wealth that must be well protected by the community. “By understanding these natural values, we can continue to utilize them responsibly for shared prosperity and environmental sustainability,” hoped Sri Puswandi. The story of this bissa paeng tree will always be engraved in natural history, where goodness and beauty are intertwined in harmony. Bissa paeng trees and Bulukumba sugar palm farmers will continue to look after each other.***

Source Article entitled “A piece of the story from the bissa paeng tree in Bulukumba: Savior of farmers and creator of quality palm sugar”, in full with the link: https://wartabulukumba.pikiran-rakyat.com/ekobis/pr-877853645/setakik-cerita-dari-pohon-bissa-paeng-di-bulukumba-penyelamat-petani-dan-pencipta-gula-aren-berkualitas?page=all