POTENSI PENGEMBANGAN MADU HUTAN DI KPH MANGGARAI BARAT, KABUPATEN MANGGARAI BARAT, NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR

Indonesia has the potential for honey development in various regions, one of which is the West Manggarai KPH. Forest honey in KPH Manggarai Barat is managed by KPH Manggarai Barat assisted by the Forest Farmers Group for field activities, research on the potential for developing forest honey and the quality of forest honey in KPH Manggarai Barat has never been done so it is necessary to do this research in order to know the potential for developing forest honey and quality of forest honey in KPH Manggarai Barat. Data collection in this study was carried out by means of laboratory and organoleptic tests, SWOT test analysis and interviews with respondents. Data collection on the respondents was carried out using the census technique. Respondents were then interviewed using a questionnaire tool. The total number of respondents in this study were 83 people, 23 KTH members (12 members of KTH Setia Janji and 11 people of KTH Kawe Mose), 50 panelists (25 panelists for forest honey KTH Setia Jiwa and 25 people for forest honey KTH Kawe Mose) and 10 consumers. The data analysis in this research is descriptive quantitative. The results showed that the quality of forest honey in KPH Manggarai Barat was seen based on laboratory testing, the water content (14.64±0.105%), sugar content (89.94±0.15) and honey pH (4.2±0.005) met the standard. (SNI), and organoleptic and hedonic tests were categorized as good/high. The results of the SWOT analysis from the consumer side of West Manggarai honey are categorized in the second quadrant which is marked by West Manggarai KPH forest honey having strengths and threats. Regarding SWOT, KTH is in the first quadrant which has the opportunity to link markets related to forest honey. The factors that influence the potential development of forest honey in the West Manggarai KPH are viewed from internal and external perspectives. Internal refers to strengths and weaknesses, while external refers to opportunities and threats. The conclusion of this study based on the results of laboratory tests, organoleptic and hedonic tests and SWOT analysis, that forest honey from KPH Manggarai Barat has good strategic potential, only marketing steps and acidity levels need to be maintained