ENG
INA
Collaboration Between Unud’s Faculty of Agriculture, Government, and Farmers Yields Local Garlic Harvest in Bali
TABANAN — A collaboration between researchers from the Faculty of Agriculture at Udayana University (Unud), the Bali Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office, and local farmers has yielded the first harvest of the local Kayu and Cicih garlic varieties in Subak Aya, Babahan Village, Penebel District, Tabanan Regency, on Friday (October 23, 2026). Attended by approximately 150 participants, the event marked a joint effort to preserve local varieties and strengthen Bali’s food self-reliance.
The Head of the Bali Local Garlic Research Team, Prof. Dr. Ir. Ni Luh Kartini, M.S., explained that Kayu and Cicih are local Balinese garlic varieties that have been cultivated since the 1970s. Both varieties are being developed through the strategic research program “Adaptation and Development of Local Garlic,” which aims to preserve local genetic resources and support regional and national food security.
According to the Udayana University Professor of Organic Agriculture, the Kayu variety offers advantages in quality, resilience, and adaptability at elevations of 450–550 meters above sea level. Officially released in 2022, this variety features flattened, round bulbs with a purple tinge. Meanwhile, the Cicih variety continues to undergo development to optimize its potential.
Prof. Kartini reported that the Kayu variety grown in Subak Aya yielded 8–10 metric tons per hectare, measured at harvest. This achievement highlights the potential of local garlic to help meet Bali’s needs and gradually reduce dependence on imports.
In 2026, garlic cultivation in Bali covered seven hectares across Tabanan and Buleleng regencies.
“To achieve better yields, farmers need to be more creative and innovative in managing their land. Local garlic is a source of strength for our food security,” Prof. Kartini emphasized.
Combining Research and Local Wisdom
The development of local garlic depends not only on variety selection but also on appropriate planting schedules and land management. Prof. Kartini explained that the Balinese calendar also serves as a guide for determining planting times.
Sasih Karo, the second month of the Balinese calendar, is considered a suitable time to begin planting the Kayu and Cicih varieties. However, planting decisions must also take rainfall and water availability in the fields into account.
Fertilization also requires attention because garlic has a relatively shallow root system. According to Prof. Kartini, organic fertilizer requirements can reach 15 metric tons per hectare. The use of organic fertilizers and beneficial microorganisms, including mycorrhizal fungi, forms part of cultivation practices designed to support plant growth and nutrient uptake.
This combination of research, farmers’ experience, and local wisdom is expected to support sustainable garlic cultivation.
Strengthening Collaboration Across Institutions
The first harvest event was attended by the Director of Udayana University’s Directorate of Research and Community Service; the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Udayana University, I Putu Sudiarta, S.P., M.Si., Ph.D.; the Head of the Center for Horticultural Technology Development and Modernization; the Head of the Vegetable Crops Technology Development and Testing Center; and the Head of the Bali Center for Agricultural Modernization Implementation.
Also present were the Head of the Bali Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office, I Wayan Sunada; the Penebel District Head; the Babahan Village Head; the leader of Subak Aya; and seven tempek leaders.
The program began with participant registration and the first harvest, followed by remarks from the Head of the Bali Local Garlic Research Team, the Dean of Unud’s Faculty of Agriculture, and the Head of the Bali Provincial Agriculture and Food Security Office. The event continued with lunch, the presentation of commemorative gifts, a group photograph, and closing activities.
The first harvest in Subak Aya provides a foundation for expanding local garlic cultivation in Bali. Through consistent communication, coordination, and collaboration among universities, government, and farmers, the Kayu and Cicih varieties are expected to be preserved and contribute to Bali’s food self-reliance.
12:37 PM
Gallery
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY