Application of technology packages to improve seed production and profitability of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

Abstract

The quality seed production is a main strategy to improve national garlic development. The study aim was to evaluate productivity and profitability of garlic seed production technology packages in Sembalun, East Lombok, Indonesia. There were three technology packages tested namely, the national recommendation package (A); site-specific recommendation package (B); and farmer practices (C) which was laid out in a randomized completely block design with 6 replications. The results showed that the fresh bulbs of the Sangga Sembalun garlic variety was significantly higher at packages A and B with 42.19 t ha-1 and 38.99 t ha-1 respectively, than that of package C (yield of 31.24 t ha-1). The pattern was consistent after seed stored for 12 weeks. Garlic seed production was profitable with R/C ratio values of 3.39; 3.34; and 2.99 on fresh bulbs for treatments A, B and C, respectively and 4.34, 4.85 and 4.31 on dry bulbs for treatments A, B and C, respectively. Technology package B was more profitable than A as indicated by MBCR value of 9.36 and 3.56 for treatment B and A, respectively. The breakeven point of both production and price of technology package B was 3.4 t ha-1 and Rp. 8,553 kg-1, respectively.