Profitability and constraints of small-scale tomato production in baubau municipality of Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

The study aimed to examine the profitability and find out the production constraints of small-scale tomato farming. The study was undertaken in Bau-Bau Municipality in Southeast Sulawesi province. Respondents consisted of 26 farmers who were selected from the total population of 104 tomato farmers. Data were collected using questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Data analysis was performed using cost and returns analysis, R/C ratio, and descriptive statistics. The average net returns per growing season of three months were Rp46,606,477. Tomato production is a profitable venture with the R/C ratio being 5.69. The main production constraints were rainfall irregularity, pest and disease occurrence, price fluctuation, poor soil fertility, low productivity, and labor shortage. Tomato production provides high income to the farmers and supports employment generation, food and nutrition security, and local economic growth. There should be integrated efforts to address these constraints to maintain tomato production and competitiveness and to ensure the sustainability of tomato farming.