On 29 November 2025, a farmer capacity-building activity entitled “Lokana Shallot Seed Production for Quality Planting Material” was conducted in Sinoa District, Bantaeng. The activity involved 25 shallot farmers who actively participated in learning both the theoretical and technical aspects of producing certified Lokana shallot seed bulbs.
Lokana shallot is one of the important local varieties with strong potential to support regional horticultural development. However, the success of shallot farming depends greatly on the quality of planting material. Many farmers still use bulbs from previous harvests without formal quality control. Although this practice is common, it may increase the risk of disease transmission, uneven crop growth, and lower productivity. For this reason, improving farmers’ knowledge of certified seed production is an important step toward better and more sustainable shallot cultivation.
The main objective of this activity was to provide farmers with practical information on how to produce high-quality and certified Lokana shallot planting material. The session introduced key principles of seed production, including the selection of healthy parent plants, proper field management, disease prevention, harvesting criteria, postharvest handling, storage, and preparation for certification. These topics were delivered in a simple and applicable way so that farmers could connect scientific knowledge with their daily field practices.
The activity also emphasized that seed production is not only a technical process, but also a strategic part of agricultural development. Certified seed can help farmers achieve more uniform growth, improve crop performance, and reduce production risks. When farmers have access to reliable planting material, they are better positioned to increase productivity and maintain stable income.
This activity directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 1: No Poverty, because improving seed quality can help farmers reduce crop failure and strengthen their livelihoods. It also supports Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education, as the activity provided farmers with knowledge, skills, and practical learning related to certified shallot seed production. In addition, the activity reflects Sustainable Development Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals, because successful seed systems require collaboration among farmers, agricultural experts, extension workers, research institutions, and local stakeholders.
Through discussion and technical explanation, participants were encouraged to see themselves not only as shallot growers, but also as potential producers of quality seed. This shift is important. When farmers understand seed standards and certification processes, they can contribute to a stronger local seed system. The activity in Sinoa District demonstrated that improving agricultural productivity begins with empowering farmers. By combining scientific guidance, local variety development, and farmer participation, Lokana shallot seed production can become a practical pathway toward better planting material, stronger farming communities, and more resilient horticultural systems in Bantaeng.
