A team of lecturers from the Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), led by Prof. Dr. Eng. Rondang Tambun, S.T., M.T., carried out a Community Service Program (PkM) titled “Development of a Cylinder Rotary Dryer into an Integrated Washer and Dryer to Improve Coffee Quality as a Leading Commodity in Sempajaya Village, Berastagi District, Karo Regency.”

The program aims to address post-harvest challenges faced by coffee farmers who have long relied on conventional sun-drying methods—highly dependent on weather conditions and prone to reducing product quality. Through the Integrated Washer and Dryer innovation, coffee washing and drying processes can now be carried out in a unified, hygienic, and more efficient system.

In this activity, the USU team revitalized an existing cylinder rotary dryer by equipping it with an automatic rotation system and an electric motor to replace manual operation. The equipment was further developed to serve dual functions—as both a washer and dryer for coffee beans—with stable temperature and drying time control to ensure consistent quality and hygiene.

Beyond equipment design and fabrication, the team also conducted training sessions on operation, maintenance, and post-harvest skill improvement for local coffee farmers. This innovation allows for more efficient and hygienic drying processes that can be performed under various weather conditions.

The program received positive responses from the community and the local administration of Sempajaya Village. “This equipment is very helpful for farmers to maintain coffee quality despite unpredictable weather. We hope this technology can be developed on a larger scale,” said a representative of the local farmers’ group.