I Nyoman Widiarta Mahayasa, Hybrid Lontar for the People
For the last 24 years, I Nyoman Widiarta Mahayasa has conducted research to devise a formula for growing hybrid lontar trees,
I Nyoman Widiarta Mahayasa
Millions of lontar (palmyra palm) trees growing naturally in 22 regencies and cities in East Nusa Tenggara have long been neglected. I Nyoman Widiarta Mahayasa first noticed that the lontar were in a state of need and were being ignored. For the last 24 years, he has conducted research to devise a formula for growing hybrid lontar trees.
Before hybrid lontar became a reality, Mahayasa processed lontar pulp into various kinds of food like fudge, jams, crispy sticks, chips, cakes, bread and syrup. The pulp was derived from discarded lontar fruits littering the ground. He also preserved lontar sap that could stay fresh for eight months.