Farmers’ preference on the characteristics of improved variety and prospective lines of soybean seed in acidic dry-land (a case study in South Kalimantan and East Lampung)

Abstract

National soybean consumption in 2018 was not in balance with its production. One of factors affecting soybean production is location-specific improved varieties utilization. The research aimed to identify farmers’ considerations in responding improved soybean varieties and prospective lines. The research was conducted in KP Taman Bogo, East Lampung and BP3T at Tambak Ulang, South Kalimantan. Data collected presented into tables. A descriptive analysis used by calculating means and percentage value. The results showed that crop height, seed shape, drought resistance, and fall resistance were the dominant considerations for East Lampung farmers. South Kalimantan farmers chose growth type, flowering age, harvest age, pod color, non-breaking pod, leaf shape, seed color, wilting symptoms, pests and diseases resistance, fall resistance, and ease of sale variables. Of the ten lines and four Iletri’s improved soybean varieties, East Lampung farmers chose Grobogan for crop phisycal performance as priority I (37.9%) and II Tgm/933 (24,2%); while South Kalimantan farmers chose Tanggamus (23.3%), Tgm/Anj-910 (26,7%) and Tgm/Anj-933 lines (30%). For seed characteristics, 51.7% of East Lampung farmers chose Grobogan as priority I, while South Kalimantan farmers chose Tgm/Anj-931 line (30.0%). It is expected that by selecting location-specific improved varieties, farmers can increase soybean production, thereby increasing their income.