Solok Regency Encourages Farmers to Develop Campion Shallot Variety
The Solok Regency Government in West Sumatra, through its Agriculture Office, is encouraging farmers in Alahan Panjang, Lembah Gumanti District, to develop the campion shallot variety as a superior commodity deemed capable of increasing productivity.
Head of the Solok Regency Agriculture Office Deslirizaldi said in Solok on Wednesday that developing the campion variety is considered suitable for the agro-climatic conditions of Alahan Panjang, which support shallot growth while providing added economic value for the community, particularly horticultural farmers.
The campion shallot variety is a local variety that farmers in Alahan Panjang began developing around ten years ago and has persisted to this day. The initial development of the variety was initiated by local farmer groups.
Alahan Panjang was selected as one of the development centres because it is the area with the largest shallot production in Solok Regency. The commodity is also developed in several other areas in the region.
Currently, shallot supply centres in Solok Regency are located in three districts, namely Lembang Jaya, Lembah Gumanti, and Danau Kembar, with Alahan Panjang as one of the largest production centres.
Overall, the agricultural planting area in Solok Regency reaches approximately 13,000 hectares. This condition represents potential that the regional government continues to develop to strengthen the horticultural sector and improve farmer welfare.
In addition to shallots, the Solok Regency Agriculture Office is also encouraging the development of garlic in Lembah Gumanti District. The programme began to be developed together with the Ministry of Agriculture, the Bimas Unit, and the Solok Police in 2026.
He also said that the regional government hopes that various superior horticultural commodities will continue to be promoted, accommodated, and facilitated so that farmers obtain better economic benefits from the development of both shallots and garlic.
On the other hand, horticultural development currently faces the challenge of the El Nino season, which has caused reduced rainfall. This condition makes water availability one of the important needs for the sustainability of agricultural production.
To anticipate water shortages, the central government through the Ministry of Agriculture is providing piped irrigation and pumping facilities to farmer groups. In 2026, Solok Regency received assistance totalling 18 units through the Medan Agricultural Centre.
The Solok Regency Agriculture Office is also continuing to propose additional irrigation assistance in 2027, including additional budget in 2026 for the construction of piping networks based on proposals from farmer groups to support the productivity of shallots and other horticultural commodities.