After Successfully Combating Blight, IPB University and Farmers Prepare Demak to Become a Red Onion Innovation Village
Blight has posed a serious threat to red onion cultivation in Pasir Village, Mijen Subdistrict, Demak Regency since 2023. The disease, which has affected approximately 600 hectares of land, has frequently led to reduced yields and crop failures.
This situation was triggered by a combination of factors, including Fusarium fungal infection, high soil salinity, and continuous red onion cultivation without breaks.
To address this issue, a team from the Faculty of Agriculture (Faperta) at IPB University, in collaboration with the Karya Makmur Farmers’ Group (Gapoktan), has been conducting action research since early 2026 to develop “precision biological control technology.”
“Field trial results show that this technology is capable of reducing the severity of the blight disease by approximately 50 percent, increasing bulb size, reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides by 50 percent, and boosting production by 20 percent,” explained Prof Suryo Wiyono, the action research coordinator.
He added that this success is expected to be reinforced with support from the industry as an offtaker partner so that the innovation can be applied more widely.
What Is Precision Biological Control Technology?
Prof Suryo, who is also the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at IPB University, explained that precision biological control technology is an approach to plant disease control designed to suit specific field conditions and farmer’s needs
“The issue of blight disease serves as the starting point for restoring the glory of shallots in Demak. Therefore, we are not only offering disease control solutions but also building comprehensive innovations from upstream to downstream, ranging from seed health, soil health, biological control technology, automation, mechanization, storage, to crop processing.
Precision biological control technology serves as the initial foundation for the establishment of the Shallots Innovation Village,” said Prof Suryo during the Pasir Shallots Farmer’s Meeting with IPB University, attended by a team of faculty members, students, the Farmer’s Group (Gapoktan), farmers, the Pasir Village Government, and the Demak Regency Government on Saturday (8/2).
Unlike conventional methods, this technology is implemented through four stages, namely (1) assessment of land conditions, soil analysis, and discussions with farmers; (2) rapid seed health testing and selection of biological agents; (3) design of biological agent combinations; and (4) field trials conducted together with farmers.
In its application, this technology uses organic fertilizer with a special formula enriched with the superior strain Trichoderma asperellum and the application of the salinity tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) Pseudomonas CSWR.
Addressing Farmers’ Issues
H Fatkhur, a farmer representative from Pasir Village, stated that the main issue farmers currently face is soil depletion due to the continuous cultivation of shallots. Therefore, expert guidance is essential to restore the land’s condition.
“Our hope is simple: for farmers to become more prosperous so they can contribute to Indonesia’s progress,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Rector, Dr Handian Purwawangsa, Head of the Institute for Agromaritime Development and Innopreneurship Acceleration (LPA2I) at IPB University, expressed appreciation for the collaboration that successfully linked campus research with the real needs of the community.
“IPB is committed to ensuring that research and innovation always stem from the challenges faced by the community. Through various programs such as the Lecturer Homecoming and Innovation Community Service Program, we strive to provide solutions that are truly beneficial to farmers.
In addition to disease control, we also propose the development of edamame soybeans as an alternative crop rotation to help reduce soil depletion while opening up new business opportunities for farmers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Regional Secretary of Demak Regency expressed hope that this collaboration would continue to be strengthened. “Demak Regency has great potential as a center for shallot production, and Pasir Village is well suited to be developed as a Shallot Innovation Village. This synergy is expected to strengthen Demak’s contribution to supporting national food security.”
During the same event, the IPB University Plant Clinic Safari team also provided plant health diagnosis services, soil analysis, and technical cultivation consultations to farmers. This initiative is expected to have a tangible impact on increasing shallot productivity in Demak Regency. (*/Rz) (IAAS/EPK)
