How does Telarasa bridge the gap for surplus local cassava?

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Telarasa Addresses Surplus Local Cassava by Creating Healthier Food Products and Establishing a Stable Supply Chain

Telarasa bridges the gap for surplus local cassava by transforming the crop into healthier food products, thereby creating a consistent demand for village growers. The enterprise was initially founded out of a personal need for gluten- and sugar-free food options for the founder's child, which highlighted a broader community challenge. By developing products such as modified cassava flour (mocaf), low-sugar cookies, and cassava nuggets, Telarasa provides viable alternatives to conventional foods while simultaneously absorbing a significant volume of locally grown cassava.
Developing Healthier Food Alternatives from Cassava

The core of Telarasa's strategy involves repurposing surplus cassava into a range of food items designed to meet specific dietary needs. This includes producing modified cassava flour, which serves as a direct substitute for wheat flour, catering to the growing demand for gluten-free options. Additionally, the enterprise manufactures low-sugar cookies and cassava nuggets, addressing concerns around sugar intake and promoting healthier snacking choices. The unique product 'lekit lomek' further exemplifies this approach by combining mocaf with a local brackish-water fish, creating an innovative food item that adds value to both cassava and overlooked seafood resources.
Establishing a Market for Underutilised Local Produce

Telarasa directly addresses the issue of surplus local cassava, which often goes to waste due to a lack of clear market channels. Many residents in Siak cultivate cassava in home gardens, frequently without the use of chemical fertilisers or pesticides, but struggle to find buyers. Telarasa steps in by absorbing approximately 200kg to 250kg of this cassava monthly, providing a reliable outlet for these small-scale growers. This consistent absorption of produce not only prevents waste but also offers a stable source of income for the local farming community, transforming a previously underutilised resource into an economic asset.
Integrating a Zero-Waste Approach into Operations

Beyond product development, Telarasa implements a comprehensive zero-waste strategy that maximises the utilisation of every part of the cassava plant. Cassava peels and cores are composted, contributing to soil health and reducing landfill waste. The young cassava leaves are sold or consumed, while older leaves are repurposed as animal feed. Furthermore, any leftover flour residue from the production process is used as chicken feed. This holistic approach ensures that minimal waste is generated, reinforcing the enterprise's commitment to environmental sustainability and resource efficiency.
Fostering Community and Economic Linkages

Through its operations, Telarasa fosters significant linkages within the local community and economy. By creating a steady demand for cassava, the enterprise provides a more stable buyer for local growers, improving their livelihoods. The development of the 'lekit lomek' product has also generated new opportunities for local fishers who supply the brackish-water fish species used in its production. Furthermore, Telarasa's participation in the Sentra Kreatif Lestari Siak (Skelas) incubation programme has enhanced its capabilities in food safety, packaging, finance, and marketing, enabling it to connect with wider business networks and contribute to the growth of the regional creative economy.

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How does Telarasa bridge the gap for surplus local cassava?

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