The present study demonstrates the effect of direct solar drying (DSD) and hot air drying (HAD) on the quality attributes of Fuji apple slices. DSD samples took a longer time (150–180 min) to dry and simultaneously reached higher equilibrium moisture content at the end of rehydration than HAD samples. DSD samples have higher rehydration ability, dry matter holding capacity, and water absorption capacity than HAD samples. Among several empirical models, the Weibull model is the best fit with higher R² (0.9977), lower root mean square (0.0029), and chi-square error (0.0031) for describing the rehydration kinetics. Rehydrated HAD samples showed better color characteristics than DSD in terms of overall color change, chroma, and hue angle values. Whereas the hardness and chewiness of rehydrated DSD samples were better than HAD samples because of higher dry matter holding capacity in DSD. Apart from color retention, the DSD samples showed better rehydration capacity and a good texture upon rehydration than HAD slices.

Kampar Regency, as the largest pineapple producer in Riau Province, has yet to provide significant added value for the surrounding SMEs. The limitations in technology and innovation, infrastructure support, and market access have prevented this potential from being optimally utilized. A Technopark can provide the necessary facilities and infrastructure to enhance production efficiency, innovation, and product quality, thus driving local economic growth. The objective of this study is to identify and determine potential locations for the development of a pineapple-based Technopark in Kampar Regency. This study is crucial as a fundamental consideration in selecting the technopark location and assessing the effectiveness and success of the technopark area. The method used in this study is AHP-GIS to analyze relevant parameters in the site selection process for the technopark area. Parameters considered in this study include slope, land use, availability of raw materials, accessibility of roads, access to water resources, proximity to universities, market access, population density, and landfill. The analysis results indicate that the percentage of land highly suitable for the technopark location is 0.78%, covering an area of 8943 hectares. Based on the analysis, it is recommended that potential locations for the development of a pineapple SMEs-based technopark in Kampar Regency are dispersed in Tambang District, encompassing three villages: Rimbo Panjang, Kualu Nenas and Tarai Bangun. The findings of this study align with the spatial planning of Kampar Regency.

Apple farming is a new production venture across the North Shewa Zone. Its production, harvest, postharvest handling, and marketing status are not well known. This study was conducted to assess the above-lined situations across the district. Four representative locations, Asabahir, Tsigereda, Tengego, and Godnamamas were selected based on their apple production status. Then, a total of 88 respondents were randomly selected and interviewed by a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics of percentage, standard deviation, and chi-square tests. A larger percentage of farmers are male (82.9%), in their active production age (41.7%), and produce apples in their backyard (85.25%). The agronomic management of fertilization, pruning, training, and plant spacing deviate from the recommended practices of apple farming. Whereas varietal distribution, irrigation, and post-harvest treatments are better practiced. Loss of fruits by fruit drops and discrimination on the market due to small fruit size are serious problems across the locations. Regarding apple farming, the farmers think of it as a productive venture and got a better price per kg and single fruit sale. They sell mainly in local collectors (60.2%) and nearby cities. As for institutional support, the farmers got apple seedlings, training, and capacity buildings by Agriculture Offices and NGOs, even if the farmers are still in higher need of better support. Therefore, it can be concluded that if not outwaited by poor tree management, destructive product transportation, and higher loss of fruits from trees and in the market, the attitude of the farmers can be capitalized in better production of apples.