A significant constraint to shallot production is damage by the onion caterpillar (Spodoptera exigua) which can cause yield losses of 45-57%. This study assesses farmer knowledge and effectiveness of insecticides for S. exigua control in shallots in West Java and Central Java. Data was sourced via group discussions and individual interviews (n=100) and analysed using descriptive statistical method and content analysis. Respondent characteristics are briefly reported.

This report details the outcomes of work undertaken in West Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi to develop potato and cabbage integrated crop management systems, develop and improve farmer access to quality potato seed and build capacity for adaptive research and development. The report details the results from surveys of 80 potato and 50 cabbage crops covering crop agronomy, yield, economics, post-harvest management and potato seed supply, source and quality. It outlines the constraints to potato and cabbage production, with low soil pH being the major constraint.

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the production practices, consumption habits, consumer preferences and distribution of chilli in Indonesia. Data was collected via secondary sources as well as interviews with key food chain stakeholders, including 306 chilli and non-chilli farmers from West Java, Central Java and East Java, as well as 16 market agents, 6 chili processors, and 289 chilli and non-chilli farmer housewives and 62 urban housewives.

Traditionally, there has been no incentive for mango farmers to improve productivity and quality due to a weak bargaining position. This report analyses a transparent margin system (based on a collaborative partnership between the market supplier and a farmer group in Central Java) for enhanced smallholder involvement in the market chain. Methodology included interviews and focus group discussions with key market chain stakeholders, examination of farm to retail market marketing channels and cost benefit analysis of the supplier/farmer group partnership.

This paper assesses the impact of integrated pest management (IPM) training on the economics of pest management decision making and discusses the mechanisms of reduced insecticides associated with IPM training. Background information outlines IPM and pesticide use and the concept of an economic threshold for pest control. Data on soybeans during 1990-1998 was collected from provincial agricultural agencies and analysed using an econometric analysis.

This study examined soybean insecticide demand in Java and assessed the impact of integrated pest management (IPM) on insecticide use using aggregate regional data. The report includes an overview of the IPM program and technology transfer including a detailed outline of Farmer Field Schools. Data was collected from various sources and analysed using recursive and simultaneous equation models, the construction of which is detailed in the report.

This paper examines factors affecting the reproduction level of Kacang and Peranakan Etawah goats under the village production system. The study was conducted in two regencies in Central Java as part of a doe productivity evaluation program under the village production system. Reproduction data of 173 Peranakan Etawah and 189 Kacang does were collected through on-farm research over 20 months. The reproduction traits examined were parity, type of birth and litter weight at weaning.

This paper assesses the influence of environmental (non-genetic) factors of kid production traits of Kacang goats under smallholder production systems in Purwodadi regency in Central Java. The traits evaluated in this study were birth weight, weaning weight and pre-weaning growth weight. The environmental factors assessed were sex, type of birth, and dam's parity (1-7). Data was analysed statistically using the General Linear Model. The results showed that dam's parity, birth type and sex of the kid were significant sources of variation for Kacang kid production traits.