The Agriculture Office of Banten Province recently held a technical training program (Bimbingan Teknis/Bimtek) on red onion cultivation in Lebak Regency (May 22, 2025). Led by Rahmat, Head of the Lebak Agriculture Office, the event highlighted sustainable and environmentally friendly farming practices to enhance productivity and profitability for local farmers.
Five Key Strategies for Successful Red Onion Farming
- Selecting Superior Varieties
Rahmat stressed the importance of choosing high-yielding red onion varieties suited to local agro-climatic conditions. According to a 2024 FAO report, climate-resilient onion varieties can increase yields by 20-30%, reducing crop failure risks. - Eco-Friendly Cultivation Practices
The training promoted organic fertilizers and integrated pest management (IPM) to maintain soil health. A 2023 study by the World Vegetable Center found that organic practices improve long-term soil fertility while reducing chemical dependency by 40%. - Mechanization for Efficiency
Farmers were encouraged to adopt agricultural machinery (alsintan) for planting and harvesting. Data from the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture (2024) shows mechanization can cut labor costs by 25% and improve harvest efficiency. - Strengthening Farmer Institutions
Access to financing, including Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR), was highlighted. A 2025 Bank Indonesia report indicates that farmer groups with strong institutional support see a 15% higher income due to better market access. - Digital Market Expansion
Rahmat emphasized partnerships with offtakers and digital market platforms. A 2024 e-Agriculture report revealed that farmers using digital sales channels achieve 30% higher profits by bypassing middlemen.
Farmer Responses & Future Outlook
Participants, including Jula, a farmer from Kalanganyar, praised the training for its practical insights. “I learned how to increase yields sustainably,” Jula remarked. The program aligns with Indonesia’s push for smart farming, targeting a 10% annual increase in red onion production by 2030 (Ministry of Agriculture, 2025).
Sustainable red onion farming—through superior seeds, eco-friendly methods, mechanization, institutional support, and digital markets—can significantly boost yields and farmer incomes. Initiatives like Banten’s Bimtek are crucial in equipping farmers with modern techniques while ensuring environmental sustainability.
