Agribusiness analysis of seed producer supports increased soybean production in East Java production centre areas

ABSTRACT

Quality seeds are one of the main technological components for increasing soybean crop production. Until now the use of quality soybean seeds in Indonesia only reaches 30%. The constraints of providing soybean quality seeds still often occur. The objectives of this study are to identify the financial feasibility of soybean seed producer in various uses of soybean products; to identify socio-economic constraints on soybean seed producer and to propose a strategy for developing soybean seed producer agribusiness in East Java province. The survey was conducted on soybean seed growers and soybean farmers who planted soybeans in the 2022 growing season. The results showed that the R/C ratio of producers for seed purposes, producers for consumption purposes, and soybean farmers are 1.34, 1.23 and 1.2, respectively. Threats faced by soybean seed producers include suboptimal post-harvest handling and the rapidly decreasing soybean seed germination. The strategy in developing soybean seed producer that can be proposed are: growing soybean seed farmers at each production centre location to meet the needs of seeds on time, quantity, variety, agroclimate, quality, and price, so as to meet the need of local farmers quickly, and reduce the risk of rapidly decreasing seed germination.

KEYWORDS:

• Soybeans
• seed producer
• quality seeds
• productivity

1. Introduction

Soybean yield gap Indonesia is still high, by which the average national productivity is still low at around 1.57 t/ha while the potential yield can reach 3.5 t/ha (Balitkabi, 2021; BPS, 2021). To increase soybean production in Indonesia, both through increasing productivity and through expanding planting areas, it is necessary to support advanced technology that is productive, efficient and guarantees quality harvests. Currently, soybeans are still the main research activity program and are considered urgent in getting solutions to solve the problems faced from this soybean commodity.

Domestic soybean production is only able to meet around 10% of total national demand in 2022, while the rest is fulfilled by imported soybeans. In 2022, the government projects domestic soybean production to reach only 200,315 tons, while domestic soybean demand is estimated to reach 2,983,511 tons. Various soybean commodity farming technologies are available, both varieties and cultivation methods. At least 118 varieties have been released by government of Indonesia until 2021 (Balitkabi, 2021).

National soybean production during the 2015–2019 period was 687,151 tons per year. The largest soybean production center during the period was East Java province with an average production of 215,035 tons per year or 31.29% of national soybean production. National soybean production decreased in 2015 by 963.18 thousand tons decreased to 424.19 thousand tons in 2019. This happens due to high competition for land use with other commodities (Kementerian Pertanian, 2021).

The availability of soybean seeds with superior varietal quality on the market that is easily obtained by farmers when planting, and meeting all farmers’ needs is very important in increasing soybean production. The challenges faced by soybean production is limited access to seeds of superior varieties, which results in farmers continuing to use seeds that have been planted before (Kananji et al., 2013 Ng’ambi & Maliro, 2004;).

Farmers’ understanding and awareness of the importance of using quality seeds from new high-yielding soybean varieties are currently quite high. Under these conditions, the use of quality soybean seeds by farmers should be quite high. However, the fact shows that the use of quality (certified) soybean seeds at the farmer level is still low (ranging from 25–30%) (Harnowo, 2019). The problem of providing quality soybean seeds in sufficient quantities to support production development programs towards national soybean self-sufficiency still often occurs. Many factors cause this, including the lack of interest from farmers, farmer groups or private parties to become soybean seed producers. This is reasonable considering that the ‘quality soybean seed market’ has not been formed and its existence is not yet sustainable (Zakaria, 2010).

The development of soybean seed agribusiness business needs to be developed to support the achievement of national soybean self-sufficiency. Sadjad (1997) suggests that a business (including soybean seed agribusiness) will have prospects if the demand for its products does not stop and its quality and physical performance can be developed sustainably. The role of seed producers as seed providers is indispensable. The provision of seeds of superior varieties according to the right quantity, time, variety, quality, price and type of agroclimate will be very helpful for the success of farmers in soybean farming (Darwis, 2018). With the fulfilment of quality high-quality seeds needed by farmers, it means that farmers have widely used high-yielding varieties that have high production potential. Thus it will also have an impact on the improvement of soybean production.

Quality seeds are one of the main inputs to significantly increase production and productivity which ultimately ensures food security and improves people's livelihoods (Delele et al., 2021; Yirga et al., 2020). Wardana et al. (2023) stated that soybean productivity is influenced by the availability of high-quality seeds that are adaptive to biotic and abiotic stresses.

Soybeans are an important food crop commodity in Indonesia as food, feed and industrial raw materials. Domestic soybean production is only able to meet 10% of total national needs, productivity is also still low at around 1569 t/ha. One way to increase productivity is to use quality seeds. The use of quality seeds in Indonesia is still low at around 30% and the remaining 70% are random seeds that do not meet quality standards. The problem of providing quality seeds often occurs. There are many factors that cause this, including the lack of interest of farmers/farmer groups/private parties to become producers/breeders of soybean seeds, doubts whether the soybean seed breeding business is profitable or unprofitable, the lack of a sustainable market for quality soybean seeds, and the price of seeds. Soybeans are considered expensive. Paying attention to the problems mentioned above, several things arise that are problematic and want to be known, namely: (i) A general picture of the financial feasibility of soybean seed agribusiness, whether profitable or unprofitable; (2) What is the level of profit from soybean seed farming; (3) What factors cause people to be interested or not interested in becoming soybean seed breeders; (4) What strategies can be implemented. Therefore the objectives of this research are: (1) to determine the financial feasibility of soybean seed farming for various uses of soybean products; (2) identifying socio-economic threats to soybean seed breeding and (3) developing a strategy for developing and managing soybean seed breeding.

The objective of the study was to determine the financial feasibility of soybean seed producer in various uses of soybean products, identify socio-economic constraints on soybean seed producer, and develop strategies for the development and management of soybean seed production.

2. Method

2.1. Research location

The research locations were in four Regencies of soybean production centres in East Java, Indonesia namely Nganjuk, Bojonegoro, Banyuwangi and Blitar in 2023.

2.2. Sampling technique

In each location/district, samples of soybean seed farmers and soybean farmers for consumption were taken. The scope of research includes aspects of soybean seed producer agribusiness, the feasibility of soybean seed farming and soybean farming (for consumption), and identifying problems in soybean seed farming in East Java, as well as developing soybean seed producer development strategies. The research objects are soybean seed producer farmers and soybean farmers for consumption planted in the 2022 planting season.

The sampling technique is to use a survey method to soybean seed producer farmers and soybean farmers for consumption using a structured questionnaire as primary data and taken randomly simply. The number of soybean seed producers is 8 people, and the number of soybean farmers for consumption is 55 people, so the total sample is 63 people. In addition, secondary data collection is also carried out which is supporting data obtained from institutions related to research purposes. The scope of the research includes aspects of agribusiness governance of soybean seed farming, the feasibility of soybean seed farming and soybean farming (for consumption), and identifying problems in soybean seed farming in East Java, as well as developing strategies for developing soybean seed breeding. The research objects are soybean seed farmers and soybean farmers for consumption which will be planted in the 2022 planting season.

2.3. Data collection

The data collected in this study include primary data and secondary data. Primary data are data collected at the level of soybean seed farmers and soybean farmers for consumption. Secondary data is supporting data needed and obtained from institutions related to research objectives. The primary data collected at the soybean seed farmer level are: age of the farmer; level of education; number of family members; experience as a producer; planting pattern; Land; reasons for being a soybean seed producer; the name of the planted seed; seed prices; reasons in using such seeds; seed origin; difficulty obtaining seeds; large production; selling price; harvest age; and soybean seed farming data; whether seed producer is profitable or unprofitable; why people are interested or disinterested in captive producer: what difficulties are encountered; is the current seed system running optimally; what to improve, and what strategies can be implemented.

The primary data collected on soybean farmers for consumption are: age of farmers; level of education; number of family members; soybean farming experience; planting pattern; Land; reasons for growing soybeans; the name of the planted seed; seed prices; the reason for using such seeds; seed origin; difficulty obtaining seeds; large production; selling price; harvest age; and farm data.

2.4. Data analysis

Data analysis in this study used a descriptive analysis, financial feasibility analysis and SWOT analysis. These analyses described and identified the agribusiness conditions of soybean seed producer in East Java, farming and financial feasibility, problems in soybean seed producer, and developed a strategy for developing soybean seed producer.

Descriptive analysis was used to describe the state of captive producer of seeds of soybean varieties in selected areas. Financial feasibility analysis consisted of analysis of farming and financial feasibility of soybean farming which is written with the following equation (Soekartawi, 1995): (1) $\mathrm{Cost}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{means}\mathrm{of}\mathrm{production}=\sum \mathrm{Hxi}\times \mathrm{Xi}$(1) (2) $\mathrm{Labor}\mathrm{cost}=\sum \mathrm{Hxi}\times \mathrm{Tki}$(2) (3) $\mathrm{Farm}\mathrm{expenses}=\left(1\right)+\left(2\right)$(3) (4) $\mathrm{Reception}=\mathrm{Hq}\times \mathrm{Q}$(4) (5) $\mathrm{Advantage}=\left(4\right)\text{–}\left(3\right)$(5) $\mathrm{B}/\mathrm{C}\mathrm{ratio}=\left(5\right):\left(3\right)$ $\mathrm{R}/\mathrm{C}\mathrm{ratio}=\left(4\right):\left(3\right)$

where

R/C ratio > 1; farming is worth pursuing or cultivating

R/C ratio < 1; farming is not worth pursuing.

Breakeven analysis is used to tolerate a decrease in production or product prices to a certain extent. The values of production breakeven point (Production BEP) and price breakeven point (Price BEP) are as follows:

Production BEP = PC/PP;

Price BEP = PC/P

where

P = production (kg)

PP = production price (IDR/kg)

PC = production cost (IDR/kg).

SWOT analysis is to systematically identify various factors to formulate a strategy. SWOT analysis compares external factors of opportunity and threats with internal factors of strength and weakness. SWOT elements Strength, Weakness Opportunity, and Threats.

External factors influence the formation of opportunities and threats (O and T). Where this factor concerns conditions that occur outside soybean seed agribusiness that influence farmers’ decision making. Internal factors influence the formation of strengths and weaknesses (S and W). These factors concern the conditions that occur in soybean seed agribusiness which also influences the formation of farmer decision making (Nisak, 2013).

Internal factors are entered into a matrix called the internal strategy factor matrix or IFAS (Internal Strategic Factor Analysis Summary). External factors are included in a matrix called the EFAS (External Strategic Factor Analysis Summary) external strategy factor matrix. After the internal and external strategy factor matrices are completed, then the results are included in a quantitative model, namely the SWOT matrix to formulate the company's competitive strategy.

3. Results

3.1. Research location

Seed production agribusiness analysis research supports the increase in soybean production in East Java production centres carried out in four districts which are soybean production centres and there are also soybean seed producers. The locations are in Banaran Kulon Village, Banaran Wetan Village, Tempuran Village, Bagor District, Ngudikan Village, Wilangan District, Nganjuk Regency; Mojolangu Village, Dander Village, Dander District, Bojonegoro Regency; Grajagan Village, Purwoharjo District, Banyuwangi Regency; and Binangun Village, Binangun District, Blitar Regency (Table 1, Figure 1).

Figure 1. (a) (Above) Map of Indonesia. Source: https://berita.99.co/gambar-peta-indonesia/. (b) (Below) Map of East Java Province with 4 loci of study. Source: http://www.syncOnConnect_time=1177956727.

Table 1. Soybean seed producer research location in East Java, 2023.

Regency	Sub-district	Village
Nganjuk	Bagor	Banaran Kulon
		Banaran Wetan
		Tempuran
	Wilangan	Ngudikan
Bojonegoro	Dander	Dander Mojoranu
Banyuwangi	Purwoharjo	Grajagan
Blitar	Binangun	Binangun

3.2. Characteristics of soybean seed producers and soybean farmers

The characteristics of soybean seed producers and soybean farmers are one of the important factors in the study. By knowing the characteristics of the research sample, the background and general description of the sample farmers will be known. The characteristics of seed producers and soybean farmers in East Java in terms of age, education level, experience, and land area are very different. The age of seed producers is younger than soybean farmers, which ranges 29–61 years old.

There are more young seed producers than old ones, with Master degree, Bachelor degree, Diploma degree, and high school education levels. With a young age and a fairly high level of education, making this seed producer easy to be briefed and trained to improve its performance (Farooq et al., 2021). Meanwhile, soybean farmers are on average more than 50 years old (33 – 73) years, with the highest level of education consecutively are high school, elementary, junior high, and Bachelor education levels (Table 2).

Table 2. Characteristics of soybean seed producers and soybean farmers in East Java, 2023.

Description	Number of farmers (%)
	Soybean seed producers	Soybean farmers
Age (years)	41 (29–61)	52 (33–73)
Education:
Elementary	–	25
Junior High	–	25
Senior High	28.5	47.1
Diploma/Vocational	14.5	–
Bachelor degree	28.5	8.3
Master degree	28.5	–
Experience (years)	6 (2–8)	27 (3–48)
Number of family member (person)	3 (3–5)	3 (2–5)
Farming size (ha)	696	0.59 (0.1–2.0)

3.3. The use of high-yielding and certified variety seeds

Soybean seed producer in East Java mostly uses the Anjasmoro variety. In Nganjuk, Bojonegoro, and Blitar each use high-yielding varieties of Anjasmoro by 70%, 100% and 78%. While the rest use varieties Surya, Wilis and Grobogan. Especially in Banyuwangi, the preferred high-yielding variety is the Baluran variety (100%) (Table 3).

Table 3. High-yielding varieties grown in East Java, 2023.

Regency released varieties	Number of farmers (%)
Nganjuk Anjasmoro	70
Surya	30
Bojonegoro Anjasmoro	100
Banyuwangi Baluran	100
Blitar Anjasmoro	78
Wilis	13
Grobogan	9

Not all farmers use certified seeds, still 50% use certified seeds such as in Bojonegoro and Banyuwangi, the remaining 50% are not certified seeds, even in Nganjuk there are still 17% who use certified seeds. However, in Blitar all soybean farmers have used certified seeds (100%). Therefore the seeds from Blitar have better quality. Good seed quality will affect seed prices (Table 4).

Table 4. Use of certified soybean seeds in East Java, 2023.

Regency	Number of farmers (100%)
Nganjuk:
Certified seeds	17
Uncertified seeds	83
Bojonegoro:
Certified seeds	50
Uncertified seeds	50
Banyuwangi:
Certified seeds	50
Uncertified seeds	50
Blitar:
Certified seeds	100
Uncertified seeds	–

3.4. Financial analysis of seed producer and soybean farmers

3.4.1. Financial analysis of soybean seed producer

The use of certified/labelled high-yielding varieties is an effort to increase productivity and production which ultimately increases farmers’ income and welfare. This study is to determine the financial feasibility of seed producer farmers and soybean farmers for consumption. In this study, financial analysis is distinguished from captive producer of soybean seeds in various uses of soybean products, and financial analysis of soybean farmers for consumption purposes. Seed producer for various uses of soy products is divided into Production intended for purposes as ‘soybean seeds’, and captive producer intended for ‘consumption materials’. Captive producer as a consumption material is as a raw material for Nestle products (soy milk) and Unilever products.

In running its business, soybean seed producers partner with soybean farmers/farmer groups. Producers can partner with farmers to cover hundreds of hectares. The average land area partnered with farmers in East Java reached 962 ha (50–2,000) ha. However, in its implementation, which was realized covering an area of 696 ha, namely the area of land planted with soybeans, partnering between producer and soybean farmers.

Farmers who partner with producer use production facilities (certified seeds, fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides) from government assistance. However, the government assistance can only meet part of the needs of farmers, so that the shortage is met by farmers themselves and cultivation technology (planting methods, the use of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides) remains as farmers usually apply.

Farmers in carrying out soybean cultivation intended to become quality seeds will be monitored by BPSB (Center for Supervision and Seed Certificate) officers in the region or PBT (Plant Seed Supervisor). Soybean plant supervision is carried out at vegetative age or age 30, 60, 90 days after planting (DAP) or before harvest. The farmer's harvest is sold to producer.

Furthermore, the producer carries out the processing stages to be certified as certified seeds. These stages are: drying – blower/sorting – packing sacks – laboratory tests – packing labelled bags. The moisture content of soybeans from farmers usually ranges from 16% to 20%, so drying is carried out until it reaches the seed quality requirement in the laboratory of 11%.

After reaching the predetermined moisture content, sorting is carried out. Sorting to sort between good seeds from bad seeds and seed impurities. It aims to maintain the purity of the seeds. After sorting, laboratory tests are carried out to obtain certified seeds. After passing the laboratory test for certification, packing is carried out with labelled bags containing 20 kg/plastic bags.

The production costs of soybean seed producer include the costs of: field inspection, purchasing seeds from farmers, drying costs, blowers/sorting, packing sacks, laboratory/certification costs and bag purchase costs. The components of captive production costs for seed purposes and captive producer for consumption purposes are the same.

Financial analysis of seed producer includes the cost of production facilities (purchase of seeds and bags), and labour costs (cost of field inspection, drying, blower/sorting, packing, laboratory test/certification). The cost of production facilities and labour costs from producer for seed purposes are IDR 9,914,051,500 (92.6%) and IDR 787,364,750 (7.4%), respectively, so that the total production cost is IDR 10,701,416,250 (IDR 14,681,364/ha).

The large cost of production facilities is due to the cost of purchasing seeds from farmers which is very much up to IDR 9,905,950,000, while labour costs are absorbed by the cost of drying, blowers and packing up to IDR 769,642,500. The cost of production facilities and labour costs from producer for consumption purposes amounted to IDR 825,690,000 (92.5%) and IDR 66,985,000 (7.5%) respectively, so that the total production cost was IDR 892,675,000.

The large cost of production facilities is caused by the large cost of purchasing seeds at farmers reaching IDR 825,000,000, while the most labour for drying, blowering/sorting and packing costs reaches IDR 65,550,000. Of the total cost of captive farming, both for seed purposes and for consumption purposes, most is absorbed by the cost of production facilities for purchasing seeds at farmers. Expenditure on means of production amounted to 92.5% and for labour amounted to 7.5% (Table 5).

Table 5. Cost of production of certified soybean seeds in East Java, 2023.

Cost components	For seed purposes		For consumption purposes
	Total (IDR)	Per ha (IDR)	Total (IDR)	Per ha (IDR)
Field inspection	5,570,000	8,000 (0.05%)	400,000	8,000
Seeds purchasing	9,905,000	13,561,468 (92.37%)	825,000	825,000
Drying, sorting, packing	769,642,000	1,083,000 (7.38%)	65,550,000	1,311,000
Laboratory testing, certification	12,152,250	17,106 (0.12%)	1,035,000	20,700
Plastic packaging	8,101,500	11,404 (0.08%)	690,000	13,800
Total	10,701,416,250	14,681,364 (100%)	892,675,000	17,853,500

The average area of producer land for seed purposes in partnership with farmers is 962 ha (250–2000 ha), but what is realized is 696 ha (225–1,500 ha). Meanwhile, from producers for consumption purposes in partnership with farmers covering an area of 50 ha and fully realized (50 ha). Producer for consumption purposes is not as widespread as producer for seed purposes. Producers for seed purposes have a productivity of 1.23 t/ha (0.89–1.55) t/ha with a production of 880 t. From this production, there was a shrinkage of 69 t, so the remaining production was 810 t.

The average price of seeds sold is IDR 16,625/kg (IDR 13,500-IDR 18,000). The selling price of seeds from producers in each location is different. The difference in selling price is caused by the quality of the seeds. The most expensive seed prices come from Blitar Regency. The high price of seeds in Blitar Regency is due to the good quality of the seeds. The quality of the seeds is good because soybeans are harvested when the soybean seeds are really old and dry and yellow, all of which have no green seeds. Meanwhile, the lowest selling price for seeds is IDR 13,500, which comes from Banyuwangi Regency. Revenue from seed sales amounted to IDR 13,957,200,000 (IDR 19,311,321/ha) (Table 6).

Table 6. Financial feasibility of soybean seed producer in East Java, 2023.

Components	For seed purposes	For consumption purposes
Partnership land area (ha)	962	50
Realized land area (ha)	696	50
Productivity (t/ha)	1.23 (0.89–1.55)	1.50
Production (t)	880	75
Seed lost (t)	69	6
Remaining Production (t)	810	69
Price (IDR/kg)	IDR 16,625/kg	IDR 16,000/kg
Revenue from selling seeds (IDR)	IDR 13,957,200,000 (IDR 19,311,321/ha)	–
Revenue from sales of consumption (tofu, tempeh, bean sprouts, feed) (IDR)	IDR 379,525,000	–
Total of revenue from seeds and consumption (IDR)	IDR 14,336,725,000 (IDR 19,872,745/ha)	–
Revenue from selling of consumption (Nestle, Unilever) (IDR)	–	IDR 1,104,000,000 (IDR 22,080,000/ha)
Production costs (IDR)	IDR 10,701,416,250 (IDR 14,681,364/ha)	IDR 892,675,000 (IDR 17,853,500/ha)
Profit (IDR)	IDR 3,635,308,750 (IDR 5,191,380/ha)	IDR 211,325,000 (IDR 4,226,500/ha)
R/C ratio	1.34	1.23
Production Breakeven Point	883	1115
Price Breakeven Point	12,160	11,902

Apart from receiving revenue from selling seeds, there is also revenue from selling soybeans for consumption (tofu, tempeh, bean sprouts, feed). This is obtained from the shrinkage of soybeans. Depreciation of soybeans caused by inadequate quality as quality seeds can be sold as consumption soybeans, namely for tofu, tempeh, bean sprouts, animal feed. Revenue from the sale of soybeans for consumption (tofu, tempeh, bean sprouts, feed) is quite large, reaching IDR 379,525,000. So the total revenue (seeds and consumption) is IDR 14,336,725 (IDR 19,872,745/ha).

The profits obtained from seed producer farming depend on the amount of revenue and costs of production facilities. The greater the revenue and the more efficient the costs incurred, the greater the profits obtained. The profit obtained by producers for seed purposes is IDR 3,635,308,750 (IDR 5,191,380/ha). The financial feasibility of producer for seed purposes is shown by the R/C ratio of 1.34. An R/C ratio value >1 is profitable and worth pursuing. At a yield level of 1.23 t/ha and a seed selling price of IDR 16,625, the Production Breakeven Point is achieved at 883 kg/ha, and the Price Breakeven Point is achieved at IDR 12,160/kg (Table 6).

Producers for consumption purposes have a productivity of 1.50 t/ha. This is higher than the productivity of producers for seed purposes. This is due to the collaboration/partnership between producers and formula milk companies/industry (Nestle and Unilever) which have very strict requirements. The strict requirements with these companies have an impact on the requirements applied to partner farmers. Apart from that, the land for seeding is not too large (50 ha) so it can be managed more intensively.

Production obtained by producers for consumption purposes is 75 t. This production experienced a decrease of 6 t, so the remaining production was 69 t. The price of seeds sold to company partners is below the prevailing soybean seed price. The average price of soybean seeds is IDR 16,625/kg and the highest price is IDR 18,000/kg. It is estimated that the price of seeds for consumption purposes is IDR 16,000/kg. Revenue from sales for consumption purposes (Nestle, Unilever) amounted to IDR 1,104,000,000 (IDR 22,080,000/ha). Even though revenue is higher from producers for seed purposes, production costs are also higher. This causes the profits obtained by producers for consumption purposes to be lower than producers for seed purposes. The profit achieved by producers for consumption purposes is IDR 211,325,000 (IDR 4,226,500/ha).

The financial feasibility of producers for consumption purposes is shown by the R/C ratio of 1.23. An R/C ratio value >1 is profitable and worth pursuing. At a yield level of 1.50 t/ha and a seed selling price of IDR 16,000, the TIP (Production Breakeven Point) is achieved at 1,115 kg/ha, and the TIP (Price Breakeven Point) is achieved at IDR 11,902/kg (Table 6).

3.4.2. Financial analysis of soybean farming

The use of superior quality seed varieties is an effort to increase productivity and ultimately have an impact on increasing production, income and welfare of farmers. This research apart from knowing the financial feasibility of seed producer farming also determines the financial feasibility of soybean farming by farmers. Analysis carried out on soybean farmers who do not partner with producers.

Financial analysis of soybean farming includes calculating the costs of production facilities, labour and post-harvest. In carrying out farming, farmers generally use labour services within the family and outside the family. In the implementation of this farming, the financial analysis of the soybean farming business takes into account, both labour outside the family and labour within the family. Soybean farming costs include calculating the costs of production facilities and labour costs. The analysis results show that the cost of soybean farming in East Java is IDR 10,969,669 (35.48% production facility costs, 64.52% labour costs) (Table 7).

Table 7. Costs of production facilities and labour for soybean farming per ha in East Java, 2023.

Components	Costs of seed production (IDR/ha)
Production facilities:
Seeds	773,213
Fertilizer (Urea, ZA, Ponskha, pupuk kandang)	2,201,996
Pestisida dan herbisida	916,993
Subtotal	3,892,202
Labour:
Land preparation	2,339,861
Planting	984,637
Fertilizer application	446,097
Plant protection (pesticide)	722,742
Weeding (herbicide)	447,103
Water irrigation	20,714
Harvest	917,652
Post-harvest	1,219,375
Sub-t o t a l	7,098,181
Total production cost	10,969,669

Average soybean production in East Java reaches 1432 kg/ha. This production is from paddy fields and dry land with monoculture and intercropping patterns. Yield potential in the field is influenced by the interaction between genetic factors and management of environmental conditions. If growing environmental management is not carried out well, the potential for high yields from superior varieties will not be achieved. The current selling price for soybeans is IDR 10,701. The selling price of soybeans has now experienced a significant increase and has even exceeded the price set by the government of IDR 8500/kg. A high selling price will affect the revenue that will be obtained.

The profits that will be obtained from soybean farming depend on the income and costs of farming. The greater the income and the more efficient the farming costs incurred, the greater the profits obtained. The profit for soybean farmers is IDR 2,339,776. The real profits received by farmers are actually greater than those mentioned above because expenses for labour in the family are also taken into account. The financial feasibility of soybean farming is shown by the R/C ratio of 1.2. An R/C ratio value >1 is profitable and worth pursuing. At a yield level of 1432 kg/ha and a seed selling price of IDR 10,701, the TIP (Production Breakeven Point) is achieved at 1,025 kg/ha, and the TIP (Price Breakeven Point) is achieved at IDR 7660/kg (Table 8).

Table 8. Financial analysis of soybean farming in East Java, 2023.

Components	Seed production
Production facilities cost of (IDR/ha)	3,892,202
Labour cost (IDR/ha)	7,077,467
Total of production cost (IDR/ha)	10,969,669
Productivity (kg/ha)	1432
Seed price (IDR/kg)	10,701
Revenue (IDR/ha)	13,309,445
Profit (IDR/ha)	2,339,776
R/C	1.2
Production Breakeven Point (kg/ha)	1025
Price Breakeven Point (IDR/kg)	7660

3.5. Potential and constraints

The potential and constraints of soybean seed farming are known by analysing the influence of both internal and external environmental factors. Internal factor analysis describes what factors are the strengths and weaknesses of everything related to soybean producer. External factors are any factors that become opportunities and threats related to soybean seed producer farming. The factors identified as strengths and weaknesses are shown in Table 9.

Table 9. Identification of internal and external factors of soybean producer farming in East Java, 2023.

No.	Internal factors		External factors
	Strengths	Weaknesses	Opportunities	Threats
a	Profitable business	Requires a lot of money	Availability of Government assistance program (quality seeds, fertilizer, medicine)	Cost of producing high-quality seeds
b	Long experience in soybean farming	Post-harvest handling is less than optimal	Market available, demand for high-quality seeds	Government assistance seed program is uncertain
c	There is always soybean planting	The growth capacity of soybeans is rapidly decreasing	The price of high-quality seeds	There is no definite market guarantee
d	Enables continuous soybean seed production	Farmers’ soybean cultivation techniques are less than optimal	Opportunities to become producers are open	There is no guaranteed price yet
e	There are superior varieties and cultivation technology			many imported soybean available
f	There a farmer group

Next, an urgency/comparison matrix between internal and external factors was created to weight each factor related to the forces that influence soybean seed producer farming. The weight values for each of these factors are shown in Table 10.

Table 10. Urgency matrix of internal (strengths and weaknesses) and external factors (opportunities and threats) for developing soybean seed farming in East Java, 2023.

No.	Factors	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h	i	J	Total	%
	Strengths (S)
a	Profitable business	x	a	a	a	a	a	a	i	j	a	7	17.07
b	Quite a long experience in soybean business	a	x	c	d	b	b	b	h	i	j	3	7.32
c	There is always soybean planting	a	c	x	d	e	c	c	h	i	j	3	7.32
d	Allows continuous seed production	a	d	d	x	d	d	d	h	i	j	5	12.20
e	Superior varieties and cultivation technology are available	a	b	c	d	x	f	e	h	i	e	2	4.88
f	There are farmer groups	a	b	c	d	f	x	g	h	i	j	1	2.44
											Σ	21	51.22
	Weaknesses (W)
g	Requires a lot of money	a	b	c	d	e	g	x	h	i	j	1	2.44
h	post-harvest handling is less than optimal	i	h	h	h	h	h	h	x	h	h	8	19.51
i	The growth capacity of soybeans quickly decreases	j	i	i	i	i	i	i	j	x	j	6	14.63
j	Farmers’ soybean cultivation techniques are less than optimal	a	j	j	j	e	j	j	h	i	x	5	12.20
											Σ	20	48.78
									Σ Subtotal			41	100.00
	OPPORTUNITIES (O)
a	There is a government program (seeds, quality, fertilizer, pesticide)	x	a	c	a	a	a	a	a	a		7	18.92
b	Market is available, demand for high-quality seeds	a	x	c	b	b	b	b	b	b		6	16.22
c	High-quality seed prices	c	c	x	c	c	c	c	c	c		8	21.62
d	The opportunity to become a seed producer is open	a	b	c	x	d	d	d	d	d		5	13.51
											Σ	26	70.27
	THREATS (T)
e	High Cost of producing quality seeds	a	b	c	d	x	f	g	h	i		0	0.00
f	government seed programs are uncertain	a	b	c	d	f	x	g	h	f		2	5.41
g	There is no definite market guarantee yet	a	b	c	d	g	g	x	g	g		4	10.81
h	There is no definite price guarantee yet	a	b	c	d	h	h	h	x	h		4	10.81
i	Imported soybeans are widely available	a	b	c	d	i	f	g	h	x		1	2.70
											Σ	11	29.73
								Σ Grand total				37	100.00

From the urgency matrix of internal and external factors, it is then seen how the interrelationships between these factors are so that the selected dominant factors can be identified which are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Table 11 shows a matrix of the degree of interrelationship between factors to show the position of strength in developing soybean farming for bioindustrial farming.

Table 11. Linkage Matrix -SWOT of soybean seed production farming 2023.

	Factor				Linkage																						∑TNB
No	Strengths (S)	FW (%)	BV	WBV	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	ALV	LWV	TWV	4.2529
1	Profitable business	17.0	5	0.850	0	5	5	5	5	2	2	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	4	4	3	3	2	3.95	0.67	1.52
2	Quite a long experience in soybean business	7.3	5	0.365	5	0	5	5	5	2	2	5	5	5	5	5	5	5	3	3	1	1	1	3.58	0.26	0.63
3	There is always soybean planting	7.3	5	0.365	5	5	0	5	5	2	2	2	2	4	5	5	5	5	2	2	2	2	1	3.21	0.23	0.60
4	Allows continuous seed production	12.2	5	0.61	5	5	5	0	5	2	2	2	2	2	5	5	5	5	2	2	2	2	1	3.11	0.38	0.99
5	Superior varieties and cultivation technology are available	4.9	5	0.245	5	5	5	5	0	2	1	3	3	4	5	5	5	5	2	3	2	2	1	3.32	0.16	0.41
6	There are farmer groups	2.4	3	0.072	3	2	2	2	2	0	1	1	1	1	4	2	1	2	1	2	1	1	1	1.58	0.04	0.11
	Weaknesses (W)																										3.8344
7	Requires a lot of money	2.5	3	0.075	2	2	2	2	1	1	0	2	2	2	4	4	4	4	3	3	1	1	1	2.16	0.05	0.13
8	post-harvest handling is less than optimal	19.5	5	0.975	5	5	2	2	3	1	2	0	5	5	5	5	5	5	2	3	1	1	1	3.05	0.60	1.57
9	The growth capacity of soybeans quickly decreases	14.7	5	0.735	5	5	2	2	3	1	2	2	0	5	4	5	5	5	2	3	1	1	1	2.84	0.42	1.15
10	Farmers’ soybean cultivation techniques are less than optimal	12.2	5	0.61	5	5	4	2	4	1	2	5	5	0	5	5	5	5	1	1	1	1	1	3.05	0.37	0.98
	OPPORTUNITIES (O)																										6.2444
11	There is a government program (seeds, quality, fertilizer, pesticide)	18.9	5	0.945	5	5	5	5	5	4	4	5	4	5	0	5	5	5	4	3	3	3	1	4.00	0.76	1.70
12	Market is available, demand for high-quality seeds	16.3	5	0.815	5	5	5	5	5	2	4	5	5	5	5	0	5	5	4	4	1	1	1	3.79	0.62	1.43
13	High-quality seed prices	21.6	5	1.08	5	5	5	5	5	1	4	5	5	5	5	5	0	5	3	3	3	3	1	3.84	0.83	1.91
14	The opportunity to become a seed producer is open	13.5	5	0.675	5	5	5	5	5	2	4	5	5	5	5	5	5	0	3	3	3	3	1	3.89	0.53	1.20
	THREATS (T)																										1.3699
15	High Cost of producing quality seeds	0	3	0	4	3	2	2	2	1	3	2	2	1	4	4	3	3	0	1	1	1	1	2.11	-	-
16	government seed programs are uncertain	5.4	3	0.162	4	3	2	2	3	2	3	3	3	1	3	4	3	3	1	0	1	1	1	2.26	0.12	0.28
17	There is no definite market guarantee yet	10.8	3	0.324	3	1	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	3	1	3	3	1	1	0	1	1	1.53	0.16	0.49
18	There is no definite price guarantee yet	10.8	3	0.324	3	1	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	3	1	3	3	1	1	1	0	1	1.53	0.16	0.49
19	Imported soybeans are widely available	2.7	3	0.081	2	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	1	0	1.00	0.03	0.11

Note: Score 5 = very related; Value 4 = related; Score 3 = quite related; Score 2 = less related; Value 1 = very little related.

FW = Factor weight; BV = Base value; WBV = Weighted Base Value = (FW/100) x BV;

ALV = Average Linkage Value = Linkage Value/17

LWV = Linkage Weight Value = (FW/100) x ALV; TWV = Total Weight Value = WBV + LWV.

3.6. Strategy for development and management of soybean seed producer

Based on the results of the comparison matrix analysis and the relationship matrix between internal and external factors in efforts to develop soybean seed producer farming in East Java, it can be seen: (1) the magnitude of the strength and weakness values of internal factors (IFAS/Internal Factors Analysis Summary), (2) the magnitude of the value of the strengths and weaknesses of the internal factors (IFAS/Internal Factors Analysis Summary) and (3) the magnitude value of opportunities and threats to external factors (EFAS/External Factors Analysis Summary) for efforts to develop soybean seed producer farming in East Java. When viewed from the internal factors of efforts to develop soybean seed producer, the strength score is 4.25 and the weakness score is 3.83. This shows that the strength factors are still relatively greater than the weakness factors. This means that in efforts to develop soybean seed farming, it turns out that the strength factors are still relatively able to overcome the weakness factors (the difference in score is +0.42). From the external factors, the opportunity score is 6.24 and the obstacle score is 1.36. This condition shows that the opportunity factor for developing soybean seed farming in the East Java area is still greater than the obstacle factor. This means that the opportunity factor for efforts to develop soybean seed farming is still greater than the obstacle factor. This means that the opportunity factor is still able to overcome the obstacle factor (the difference in score is +4.8) (Table 11).

Based on the evaluation above, it can be understood that efforts to develop soybean seed producer in East Java are in the quadrant of the relationship between strength and opportunity; the meaning is that the effort can be operationalized or still generate profits. If mapped, the position of development of soybean seed farming can be seen in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Results of SWOT analysis in a map of four effort quadrants development of soybean seed producer farming in East Java.

The highest total weight value (TWV) for each internal and external factor shows the highest urgency and influence so it was chosen as the basis for developing a strategy for developing soybean farming. Factors that are very influential or urgent/important for developing this strategy can be seen in Table 12.

Table 12. Selected internal and external factors to determine the development strategy for soybean seed producer in East Java, 2023.

No.	Internal and external factors	Description	Total weight value
1	Strengths	Profitable business	1.52
2	Weaknesses	Post-harvest handling is less than optimal	1.57
3	Opportunities	High-quality seed prices	1.91
4	Threats	There is no definite market guarantee yet	0.49

Based on the results of the SWOT analysis in the four quadrant map (Figure 2), it shows that efforts to develop soybean farming in East Java Province are worthy of recommendation. This is due to internal factors of strength and external factors of possible opportunities (at the S–O ordinate). The policy formulation for developing cassava agribusiness-based farming in North Sumatra Province can be seen in Table 13.

Table 13. Strategy for efforts to develop soybean seed farming in East Java, 2023.

	Strengths (S): Profitable business	Weaknesses (W): Post-harvest handling is less than optimal
Opportunities (O): High-quality seed prices	- Develop the soybean seed producers in each production center area, so that they can meet seed needs in a timely manner, quantity, variety, agroclimate, quality and price. So that it can fulfil the wishes of local farmers and reduce the risk of rapid decline in growth capacity - In post-harvest handling that is less than optimal, field officers are assisted by producers; as well as providing increased skills and knowledge to partner farmers - Policy makers/relevant departments to develop seed producers/empower seed producers and help with post-harvest facilities (drying floors, dryers, warehouses, cooling rooms)
Threats (T): There is no definite market guarantee yet

3.7. Soybean seed producer farming development model

In developing soybean seed producer farming in East Java, it can be divided into two stages of the producer activity process and one policy space. Each of them is: (1) Activities at the partner farmer level; (2) Activities at the soybean seed producer level and (3) Policies by stakeholders.

The soybean seed producer farming development model can be described as follows: activities at partner farmer level. At this stage of activity, producers partner with soybean farmers. Farmers plant quality superior seeds as raw material for producing seeds. During the soybean planting phase, field inspections are carried out by the regional BPSB for three times namely vegetative phase (30 DAP), 60 DAP and before harvest (90 DAP) to ensure the purity of the superior varieties planted. Trainings to seed producers to improve their skill in producing a qualified soybean seed is also suggested as a model.

4. Discussion

Experience as a producer is still relatively small, ranging from 2–8 years or just becoming a producer in 2015, while soybean farmers are very experienced, on average they have experienced 27 years (3–48) years. This shows that new seed producer is occupied by young people. However, their parents had already been soybean farmers. Seed producers here are producers that have been included in the category of ‘E-Catalog’ and are managed by young people with senior high school and Bachelor levels. E-catalogue is an electronic information system that contains lists, types, technical specifications and prices of certain goods from various government goods/services providers (Iqbal, 2020). It reflects that these seed producers are getting involved in the procurement of national soybean seeds and produce certified seeds.

The number of family members is 3 people, both seed producers and soybean farmers. The area of land cultivated by seed producers in partnership with soybean farmers reaches hundreds of ha. The size of the land area will affect the revenue and profits of a farm. The more extensive and efficient the effort, the greater the revenue and profit. The average area of seed producer in partnership with farmers in East Java is 696 ha (50–2000) ha. Meanwhile, the land area of soybean farmers is 0.59 ha (0.1–2) ha (Table 2). Syuaib (2016) documented that the main agricultural practice in Indonesia is primarily family-based, where subsistence crops are grown using traditional or non-mechanized techniques on small plots of land, with low capital investment needed.

Soybean seed producer in East Java mostly uses the Anjasmoro variety. In Nganjuk, Bojonegoro and Blitar each use high-yielding varieties of Anjasmoro by 70%, 100% and 78%. While the rest use varieties Surya, Wilis and Grobogan. Especially in Banyuwangi, the preferred high-yielding variety is the Baluran variety (100%) Anjasmoro, Wilis and Grobogan are superior varieties released by the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development, Ministry of Agriculture (Elisabeth et al., 2019; Fattah et al., 2023; Harsono et al., 2021). Baluran is a superior variety released by researchers from Jember University in 2002 through the Ministerial of Agriculture Decree No. 275, 2002 (Sudibya & Usmadi, 2017); while Surya is a well-known local variety among soybean farmers in East Java and is available in local market (Suhono et al., 2011).

Of the total costs of soybean farming, most of it is absorbed by labour costs. It is in accordance with some previous research (Elisabeth et al., 2019; Krisdiana et al., 2021; Prasetiaswati et al., 2022). The amount of labour costs absorbs up to 64.52% of the total farming costs, while the costs of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides) absorb 35.48% of the total farming costs. The highest labour costs are for land preparation activities and post-harvest costs. Apart from using a lot of labour, the wages are also quite expensive. If spending on labour can be more efficient, it can save farming costs and ultimately increase profits.

Some of the harvested seeds is perfectly dry, but many are not dry enough. This lack of dryness is caused, among other things, by not being optimally ripe or not handling the harvest optimally, so it requires assistance from field officers from producers, as well as providing increased skills and knowledge to farmers. Bahari, Saediman et al. (2019) also stated that there is a need to intensify assistance and supervision of farmers while increasing the application of agricultural mechanization technology in the process of threshing and drying seeds. Another study of Arhin et al. (2024) revealed that the assistance from external services such as extension officers can enhance farmers’ productivity.

The next stage is the purchase of the soybean harvest by the producer/producer distributor. The soybean producer carries out a certification process by drying – blowing/sorting – packing sacks – laboratory testing/certification – packing labelled bags. The cause of failure in the certification test is mainly caused by high water content and low growth capacity (Mutmaidah & Elizabeth, 2021). Furthermore, the performance and capacity of soybean seed producers are hindered by various factors such as limitations in capital, facilities, infrastructure and post-harvest handlings including drying floors, sorting, packaging and seed testing, which often results in prolonged seed testing processes to produce labelled seeds, as well as constraints in storage and marketing (Bahari, Saediman et al., 2019). Therefore, Policy Makers or related agencies should develop soybean seed producers or assist in post-harvest facilities (drying floors, dryers, warehouses, cooling rooms). Yirga et al. (2020) also stated the need for training to increase soybean seed production to be given to farmers by experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Cooperatives, researchers, development agents and related agencies.

The use of technology in farming by farmers is greatly influenced by: (1) Internal socio-economic factors, including age, size of farm, number of family members, level of education, farming experience and farming goals; (2) External socio-economic factors, including input and output markets, institutions and national and regional policies; and (3) Natural condition factors, including climate, biology and soil (Byerlee & Collinson, 1980). Therefore, farmers’ rejection of new technology is actually not due to conventional farmers but rather is caused by: (1) the new technology being introduced cannot be integrated with farmers’ real conditions and (2) farmers will bring the new technology into balance between the possibility of increasing income, with the risk of failure that will be adopted (Adjid, 1985 Byerlee & Collinson, 1980;). Another investigation involving smallholder farmers in Africa revealed that the uptake of agricultural innovations is influenced by both a limited understanding of how technological changes occur in farming and the considerable diversity within farmers’ agricultural systems. Farmers tend to adopt new crop varieties only if they offer equivalent or superior benefits compared to existing conventional varieties (Verkaart et al., 2019). It seems that smallholder farmers in Indonesia also take this similar attitude (Rhezandy et al., 2023). The meaning that can be taken from this condition is that in the spread of superior varieties, an in-depth study of internal and external socio-economic environmental conditions, as well as physical environmental conditions (ecophysiology) which will influence the decision-making process of farmers in adopting superior varieties and the threats that limit their adoption are very necessary.

Furthermore, Subagiyo and Sekarningsih (2005) revealed that the adoption of fisheries business innovation in the Bantul area (DIY) was positively influenced by internal factors (individual characteristics, motivation, involvement in organizations, impersonal communication, exposure to mass media and cosmopolitan level), external factors (government policies, systems social norms and social norms) and fishermen's perceptions of the characteristics of innovation (relative advantage, compatibility, triaility and observability). The level of farmer adoption of superior soybean varieties in East Java is influenced by internal socio-economic factors (number of families involved in farming, area of cultivated land, soybean farming experience), socio-economic factors, external economic (seed prices) and technical factors (land type and planting method), whereas in Central Java it is influenced by socio-economic factors (amount of cultivated land and soybean farming experience), external socio-economic factors (seed prices) and technical factors (planting methods).

Quality seeds are one of the main technological components for increasing productivity and production of crops, including soybeans. Until now, the use of quality soybean seeds in Indonesia has not been maximized, namely still reaching 30% of the total soybean planting area. The remainder (70%) are random seeds that do not meet quality standards (Harnowo et al., 2015). One of the reasons why the need for quality (certified) soybean seeds has not been met is the lack of development of downstream seed farms or downstream soybean seed industries, which are capable of producing Extension Seeds (ES) class seeds in large quantities. Meanwhile, the upstream seed industry is quite well established, namely Research Institutes (Government and Universities) which produce New Superior Varieties and produce Breeder Seeds (BS) and Foundation Seeds (FS) (Harnowo, 2017; Menteri Pertanian, 2015).

In line with the government's program to achieve increased national soybean productivity, the availability of quality seeds in sufficient quantities, of the right varieties according to specific agroecological conditions and user preferences is very important. Seed production cultivation technology includes applying pre-harvest innovations (aspects of fertilization, irrigation, plant disease control), post-harvest seeds and seed physiological quality testing technology.

Apart from that, the success of implementing seed producer activities depends on monitoring the seeds. This activity is carried out by the plant seed supervisor. Supervision of seeds is very important, starting from verifying prospective seed producers who are capable of producing seeds, the production process, monitoring seed quality to seed distribution. An important thing in the production process is selection or rogueing activities. One of the criteria for quality seeds is having a high level of genetic purity. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out correct rogueing activities starting from the vegetative phase until the end of planting. Monitoring seed circulation is also an important part, so that there are no deviations from certified superior variety seeds from seed producer activities. Because the role of seed producers is the spearhead of the success of increasing production and productivity of soybean plants. If the required certified superior variety seeds are not available, it will be impossible to increase production. The success of soybean development is determined by the availability of quality seeds (Kuncoro, 2018).

Indonesia basically has quite large potential for the growth and development of the soybean seed industry. This is because it is supported from both technical and economic aspects. From the technical aspect, there are several things, namely: (1) The availability of many new superior varieties of soybeans both with large seed size (the same as imported soybeans) and high yields (Grobogan, Anjasmoro, Argomulyo, Burangrang, Dega I varieties) which are in accordance with preferences users (farmers, soybean raw material processing industries), and varieties that are tolerant of biotic stress (tolerant of armyworms) and abiotic (tolerant of shade, drought, acidity, water saturation cultivation and pod splitting) and varieties with high isoflavone content (for functional food) (Adie et al., 2015; Balitkabi, 2016); (2) Soybean germplasm, both domestic and introduced with certain characteristics, is well maintained (especially at Balitkabi) as material for the assembly of increasingly better new superior varieties (VUB) (Balitkabi, 2017); (3) Availability of location-specific cultivation technology, which is also used for seed production (Harnowo & Utomo, 2017) and (4) There is support for providing seeds from various varieties (both BS and FS) by Balitkabi continuously (Harnowo & Utomo, 2017). Based on their research result, Ginting et al. (2023) stated that soybean seed production could also be done by planting soybean under multiple cropping with maize. For the production efficiency, soybean seed industry need to be centralized in soybean sentra production areas.

Research results from the economic aspect state that seed agribusiness is profitable (Abidin & Harnowo, 2014; Harnowo, 2005; Harnowo & Rozi, 2016), as well as the model/form of community-based downstream soybean seed industry as an alternative for seed agribusiness development involving the private sector with large capital (Rozi & Krisdiana, 2017). Bahari et al. (2019) stated that significant increases in production and productivity can be done through fertilizer subsidy programs, increasing land area, increasing the intensity of counselling or BPSB supervision in each planting season.

It is a common knowledge that soybean seed has short viability, therefore, we recommend that the strategy for unsold seeds as follows: the seed producers should have a formal agreement with the government (Ministry of Agriculture of Indonesia) through their program of known as a free subsidize soybean seed every year to reach annual target of soybean grain for the national consumers.

5. Conclusion and implication

Soybean seed producer farming for various uses of soybean products is profitable and financially feasible. Producer for seed puIDRoses is more profitable than producer for consumption puIDRoses. Threats faced by soybean seed producers include post-harvest handling that is less than optimal, the growth rate of soybeans is rapidly decreasing, and there is no definite market guarantee. Strategies for developing soybean seed producer farming that can be carried out are: (1) Growing soybean seed producers at each production centre location. By having producer facilities at each production centre location, we will be able to meet the needs for seeds on time, quantity, variety, agroclimate, quality and price, so that we can meet the wishes of local farmers quickly and reduce the risk of rapid decline in growth capacity; (2) In handling after a less than optimal harvest, field officers can be assisted by producers, as well as providing increased skills and knowledge to partner farmers; (3) Policy makers or related departments should develop soybean seed producers/empower soybean seed producers and assist with post-harvest facilities (drying floors, dryers, warehouses, cooling rooms).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).