This study reports on the effects of different growing practices and aspects on True Seed Shallot (TSS) production in Java. The study comprises a range of experiments which are listed in the introduction. These encompass early sowing and transplanting, optimal nitrogen fertilisation, optimal plant density, seed efficiency, optimal age and nitrogen status of nursery, TSS under insect nets and bulb storage quality. Each experiment is briefly reported in a separate section and comprises methodology, results and discussion.

Traditional Indonesian shallot production is based on seed bulbs but True Seed Shallots (TSS) could improve competitiveness of the industry. This study assesses numerous factors such as, seed raising mixtures, sowing depth and furrow fill, productivity comparison of TSS cultivars and seed bulb cultivars, plant density and nitrogen fertilisation, for their impact on shallot growth and production. Each experiment is reported on and discussed separately.

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 paper explores the allocation of inputs in small-scale shallot production with a view to increasing efficiency and raising farmers' profits. The research uses primary data gathered through a survey of 43 farmers in one village in East Java. It applies double-log production function and polynomial cost function to measure the profit gap. Three simulations are used for input allocation based on low, medium and high input costs. The findings show that land, labour and seed are the most important group of inputs for production, followed by the fertilizer phosphate.

This report presents a sector profile and value chain analysis of the shallot industry in West Nusa Tenggara, identifying potential areas for SADI program support. The research shows that shallots are a profitable but potentially high risk niche crop in some parts of the province, particularly Bima.

This article identifies and analyses constraints in seed production in Indonesia and describes the major factors that account for the failure to produce quality seed potatoes. The study is based on interviews with staff from government and non-government agencies, farmer-seed producers, farmer cooperative members and end-user farmers. Facilities and techniques used in various stages of seed production and quality control were also evaluated.

One of the major constraints facing crop production in developing countries is a lack of low-cost, quality seed. In this paper, Fuglie et al. present a model of the market for seed, in which clean seed is treated as a capital good providing benefits over several seasons. To determine the farm demand for clean seed, they then apply this model to potato seed in Indonesia. The research uses data gathered from a survey of 182 potato farmers in the major potato growing areas of the country.

This article presents the findings of a study to help farmers develop optimal potato yields in the Sembalun Highlands—an isolated area of West Nusa Tenggara province without specialist potato support services. The author's assumption was that utilizing a less costly potato system would increase the ability of small farmers to take up potato production. The research was carried out in six farmers' fields involving six farmer-initiated learning groups, who compared the use of superphosphate with local compost.

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 article explores the factors that affect a farmer's decision to purchase seed potato in East Java. The research draws on a survey of 209 farmers from three central production areas: Pasuruan, Probolinggo and Batu Malang. Farmers were asked to rate the importance of 34 variables believed to influence a farmer's decision to purchase seed potatoes. The results reveal that the availability of seed at planting time, along with the availability of resources such as land and labour, are the most important factors influencing farmers' decisions to purchase seed.