SiNergi Research Team of PPNP and CERI Studies Agroforestry-Based Coffee Development at Beranda Coffee & Roastery

Agam Regency, June 19, 2026 – The SiNergi research team of Payakumbuh State Agricultural Polytechnic (PPNP), led by Prof. Dr. Rince Alfia Fadri, S.ST., M.Biomed., along with the team of Fidela Violalita, M.P., and Henny Fitri Yanti, M.Sc., accompanied by researchers from the Coffee Education Research Institute (CERI), conducted a field visit to Beranda Coffee & Roastery in Bukik Sonsang, Tilatang Kamang District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. This visit aimed to study Arabica coffee cultivation practices, plantation management, and the potential for specialty coffee development based on local resources.

Prof. Dr. Rince Alfia Fadri as the head of the research stated that field visits are an important part of the research because they provide a real picture of cultivation and coffee management practices. Information obtained from business actors serves as an important basis for understanding the challenges and opportunities for specialty coffee development in West Sumatra.

Starting from a Love for Coffee

Beranda Coffee & Roastery is managed by Akmal Yusmar, who is also known as the Chairman of the Minang Coffee Association. His interest in coffee began when he was involved in producing a coffee documentary film for Kompas TV and TVRI. This experience led him to delve deeper into the world of coffee until he finally built his own business.

This business began to be established in 2023 with the aim of utilizing existing land into a coffee plantation area. Instead of opening a new area, Akmal Yusmar chose to develop the land into a productive coffee plantation. This step is part of an effort to utilize natural potential sustainably without changing the environmental character of the Bukik Sonsang area.

Agroforestry Concept

One of Beranda Coffee's advantages is the application of an agroforestry system. Coffee plants are grown together with durian, cinnamon, pine, and other old trees. This system helps maintain soil moisture, reduces erosion, and creates a more stable growing environment for coffee plants. In addition to supporting environmental sustainability, agroforestry also provides additional economic value from companion plants.

According to Akmal, the presence of trees that have grown for decades is actually a unique advantage in developing coffee plantations. These trees function as natural shade that creates more ideal growing conditions for coffee plants.

Conquering the Terrain of Bukik Sonsang

Behind the establishment of Beranda Coffee & Roastery, there is a long struggle that not many people know about. In the early days of land clearing, around 2,000 coffee seedlings had to be moved to the plantation location in the hilly area. The plantation is located at an altitude of approximately 1,084–1,200 masl.

The journey began from Akmal Yusmar's residence using a motorized rickshaw to the point still accessible by vehicles. After that, the seedlings were moved using motorcycles to higher paths. When vehicles could no longer traverse the steep and slippery terrain, the seedlings had to be carried manually by farmers to reach the planting location.

The moving process took about one week. In addition to the uphill road conditions, the frequently changing weather was also a challenge. Nevertheless, the farmers' spirit to complete the planting never waned until all the seedlings were successfully planted. This condition shows the great commitment of the manager in building a coffee plantation in the hilly area.

From Plantation to Quality Coffee

The research team also reviewed the plant maintenance and post-harvest processes. Picking is done using the red-picking method every week to ensure only ripe cherries are processed. The nursery house and processing facilities are located at Pak Akmal's residence so that quality control can be carried out optimally from nursery to processing.

Continuing the Coffee Legacy in Bukik Sonsang

Coffee cultivation in the Bukik Sonsang area is actually not new. The Bukik Sonsang area has known coffee cultivation since the Dutch colonial era. According to Akmal, this potential is now being revived through a more modern approach while still utilizing local wisdom and supportive natural conditions. Furthermore, the use of social media, which is growing rapidly today, has helped introduce this coffee plantation both nationally and internationally.

Through Beranda Coffee & Roastery, Akmal hopes that the Bukik Sonsang area can be known again as one of the Arabica coffee centers in Agam Regency. He also hopes that more young people will be interested in developing the coffee plantation sector as a business that has economic value while contributing to environmental preservation.

The visit of the SiNergi PPNP and CERI Research Team provides an overview that the success of a coffee business is not only determined by natural conditions but also by innovation, knowledge, and strong collaboration. Beranda Coffee & Roastery serves as an example of how the spirit of local business actors can develop quality Arabica coffee while maintaining a balance between productivity and environmental sustainability.