The agricultural sector assumes a pivotal role in economic advancement through the proliferation of agribusiness, notably exemplified by the burgeoning tofu agro-industry in Masbagik District, East Lombok. This region is acknowledged as the preeminent center for tofu production in East Lombok, boasting 63 agro-industry units. This study endeavors to analyze: (1) the function of each marketing institution within Masbagik Regency, (2) the marketing margins that exist between tofu marketing entities in Masbagik Regency, (3) the added value accrued by each marketing institution in Masbagik Regency, and (4) the value chain mapping of the tofu agro-industry in Masbagik Regency. The research locale was selected employing the "Purposive Sampling" technique. The selection of respondents was conducted using the "Slovin" Formula, yielding a total of 26 respondents. The determination of respondents within each village was carried out through the "Stratified Purposive Sampling" method. Additionally, the identification of each respondent from other value chain actors utilized the "tracer" method—data collection methodologies comprised interviews and questionnaires. The findings of the study reveal that: (1) The role of marketing institutions within the tofu agro-industry in Masbagik Regency is interdependent and significantly influences the seamless distribution and sustainability of the enterprise. (2) The marketing margin for soybeans across both channels is uniform, amounting to IDR 2,750/kg. In contrast, the tofu margin exhibits a disparity; Channel I, which includes retailers, incurs a margin of IDR 12,814/kg. Channel II is deemed more efficient as producers engage in direct sales to consumers. (3) The added value in tofu marketing within the Masbagik District varies among the participants. Soybean suppliers realize a net profit of IDR 2,500 per kilogram. Tofu producers generate an added value of IDR 715,327 per production cycle, translating to approximately IDR 7,451 for each tray of tofu. Retailers secure the highest added value, which amounts to IDR 11,951 per kilogram. (4) The tofu marketing value chain map in Masbagik Regency illustrates that the added value escalates from suppliers to producers to retailers, culminating in a total value chain of IDR 21,902.
Utami et al. (Wed,) studied this question.