Garlic Import Dependence and Farmers' Persistence in Indonesia: Evidence from Garlic Farmers in Temanggung Regency

Abstract

Indonesia relies heavily on garlic imports, while farmers in established production areas continue cultivating the crop. This study examines national import dependence and farmers’ perceptions and cultivation intentions in Temanggung Regency. A descriptive approach combined national production, import, and requirement data for 2014–2023 with a structured questionnaire administered in person to 104 active garlic farmers from five groups in Petarangan Village in June 2026. National data were summarized using the Domestic Fulfillment Ratio (DFR) and Import Dependency Ratio (IDR); questionnaire responses were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. DFR ranged from 3.35% to 15.86%, and IDR from 84.18% to 96.71%. Among respondents, 81.7% perceived lower-priced imports as depressing local prices and margins, yet 94.2% intended to continue cultivating garlic. Meanwhile, 31.7% planned to diversify or rotate with other crops. These findings establish that perceived competitive pressure and intended continuation coexist, while diversification can accompany continued garlic cultivation. The study links national supply dependence to local cultivation intentions; however, it does not identify the causal mechanisms of persistence. The findings support examining productivity, quality seed, market certainty, and institutional support together when designing policies for domestic garlic production.