Handling priority issues in the potato value chain to increase farmers income

Abstract

The potato commodity value chain actors need additional activities to create added value and open employment opportunities. The study aims to (1) Identify a map of the potato value chain and (2) to analyze problems that cause harm to the main potato value chain actors and how to deal the problem. The study was conducted in South Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2018. Data collection is done by qualitative method. Qualitative data were collected by semi-structured interviews with informants who are considered to know about what will be studied in the field. Value chain mapping model used to describe the potato value chain and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) model used to identify the various problems faced by the main actors of the potato value chain and how to solve the problem. The results showed that, (1) Potato value chain in South Sulawesi Province involves key actors and supporting actors. The main actors consist of potato farmers, collectors, wholesalers, retailers, and home industries. While supporting actors consist of agricultural extension agents, farmer groups, farm shops, farm laborers, seed growers, Labiota Foundation, inter-provincial traders, and consumers, and (2) The priority of potato value chain problems in the main actors is plant pests and diseases, lack of supply of potatoes, and damage to processed equipment and machinery. Priority in handling problems is the use of plant medicines appropriately, developing land for potato production, improving cultivation technology for farmers, and improving the quality of processed machinery.