The impact of weather anomalies on shallot seed production in West Lombok, Indonesia

Abstract

Shallot (Allium cepa L.) is one of the strategic commodities in Indonesia, where the Province of West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is the third largest shallot-producing area. The main constraint in shallot cultivation is the limited availability of certified seeds and the weather strongly influences the cultivation. This paper discusses the impact of the 2021 weather anomaly on shallot seed production in West Lombok Regency, NTB Province, Indonesia. To produce and supply shallot seeds, the Super Phillip variety was planted in the period of May-June 2021 on farmers' land with an area of 4,000 m2 of alluvial soil. There was a weather anomaly in June 2021, in the form of high rainy days up to 12 days and an increase in rainfall of 176 mm (414%) above normal, resulting in damage to the bulb enlargement phase and Fusarium disease attacks on plants older than 40 days which resulted in harvest failures. This weather anomaly resulted in crop failure and losses in almost 100% of shallot seed production. To anticipate failures and minimize risks to the shallot farming system in the future, it is necessary to learn and transfer technology to interpret rainfall prediction information and design a shallot planting calendar.