Model Pengembangan Bibit Rambutan Brahrang sebagai Tanaman Lokal di Kota Binjai

Abstract

Social development and the utilization of local wisdom are key factors in the development of sustainable agriculture, particularly in the seedling business of Brahrang Rambutan as a leading local commodity in Binjai City. Binjai City has significant potential to support food security, climate resilience, and the strengthening of a green economy through the development of environmentally friendly and competitive rambutan seedlings. However, the development of the Brahrang Rambutan seedling business still faces various challenges, including fluctuations in productivity, limited market access, changing public interest, and suboptimal synergy among stakeholders. This study aims to analyze the role of collaboration between the government, academics, and business actors in the development of Brahrang Rambutan seedlings, identify challenges in the implementation of the Triple Helix model, examine its impact on farmers' welfare, and formulate a sustainable development model in Binjai City. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the processes of seed propagation, maintenance, and marketing of Brahrang Rambutan seedlings. The results indicate that the implementation of the Triple Helix model has been relatively effective, as evidenced by government support in terms of seed legality and certification, contributions from academics through technical recommendations and assistance, and the active role of farmers as the main implementers. Environmentally friendly maintenance practices and the utilization of digital marketing have proven to improve seed quality and expand market reach. Nevertheless, several constraints remain, including limited cross- sector coordination, low technology adoption, and gaps in farmers' literacy. Economically and socially, the development of the Brahrang Rambutan seedling business has had a positive impact on increasing income, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening farmers' household welfare. With institutional strengthening and improved human resource capacity, this model has the potential to become a sustainable development strategy that enhances local economic resilience and competitiveness in Binjai City.