RRI.CO.ID, Brebes - Researchers from the Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) have successfully developed several shallot cultivation techniques that significantly reduce pesticide use while increasing yields. These findings are the result of four years of research tested directly on farmers' fields in Brebes Regency, Central Java, one of Indonesia's largest shallot production centers.

The most striking results came from the use of net houses to protect crops from pests. This technology has been proven to reduce the frequency of pesticide spraying by up to 50 percent, while productivity has increased from around 9.4 tons per hectare to 16.6 tons per hectare.

In addition to protecting crops from leafhoppers, this method also reduces farmers' costs for purchasing insecticides. BRIN researcher Rini Murtiningsih explained that the effectiveness of net houses depends heavily on their density and installation method, ensuring pests cannot penetrate.

In addition to plant protection technology, the research team led by Joko Pramono also found that seed selection significantly impacts crop yields. Large or medium-sized bulbs have been shown to produce significantly higher yields than small bulbs, and are therefore recommended as the new standard for farmers.

Other research has tested a mixed cropping pattern of shallots and corn to naturally control pests. While this method is effective in suppressing pests, shallot yields actually decreased due to the shading of the corn, leading researchers to now recommend planting corn as a border around the field, rather than directly intercropping with the onions.

Furthermore, research on soil conditions in Brebes has revealed alarming findings: residues of several long-banned pesticides are still detected in the soil and on plants. The soil organic matter content in the area is also relatively low, leading researchers to encourage soil restoration through the gradual addition of organic matter and the management of soil acidity.