Prof. Dr. Ir. Agnes Murdiati, M.S., as a Professor of the UGM Faculty of Agricultural Technology, mentioned that the plant, namely Koro Pedang Putih plant or known as parang bean, can potentially be generated as an alternative to the protein source.
Despite having high nutritional value, this plant also has many promising markets. Many countries had a high demand for this plant, including demand from Korea, Japan, and the United States.
"Koro Pedang Putih can substitute soybeans because the protein within is not much different from soybeans," said Agnes in the Research and Community Service Talk at Universitas Gadjah Mada 2020 on Tuesday (6/10).
He also explained that this plant is simple to plant, and it can grow on all soil types, including marginal soils and acid soils. In Indonesia, this plant grows flourishingly from Sabang to the Maluku Islands and has been preserved in several areas such as Lampung, Java, Bali, and West Nusa Tenggara.
Traditionally, the Koro Pedang Putih plant is used for green manure, while the young pods are usually used for vegetables. Some regions have also used Koro Pedang Putih as raw material for tempeh, milk, flour, and soybean meal.
"The Koro Pedang Putih farmers who are concentrated in the Sindoro-Sumbing Damar Community, in Temanggung, Central Java, can produce 4–8 tonnes of Koro Pedang Putih per harvest and consider the prospect of Koro Pedang Putih cultivation to be quite good," he added.
Biological tests show that giving white sword koro fiber can reduce the Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP) value. Administration of the Pedang Putih Koro fiber diet can reduce atherosclerosis, characterized by a low AIP value.
Some researchers have also conducted several study types on this plant's potential, including at the UGM FTP, which produces tempeh and Koro Pedang Putih extract products.
Therefore, Agnes said that the Koro Pedang Putih has a very good prospect to support food security and sovereignty.
"This plant can be treated into various kinds of derivative products by providing distinctive product characteristics. Apart from utilizing white sword koro seeds, the waste of Koro Pedang Putih's skin can be used as a source of cellulose," he explained.
Research and Community Service Talks were organized online as part of the 71st UGM Anniversary series. Besides Agnes Murdiati, this event also presented a Professor of FTP UGM, Prof. Dr. Ir. Mochammad Maksum, M.Sv., and Plt. Dean of the UGM Vocational School, Dr. Ing. Ir. Agus Maryono.
In this opportunity, Mochammad Maksum delivered a presentation associated with food sovereignty to attain sustainable development goals, while Agus Maryono explained harvesting rainwater as sustainable management of water resources.
Author: Gloria
Translator: Natasa A