The Effectiveness of Provision Free Imported Silkworm Eggs in Soppeng Regency

Abstract

The development of natural silk production is viewed as a promising endeavor with the potential to uplift local communities by utilizing abandoned forest lands. The national demand for silk has been steadily increasing over the years, yet production has been on a continuous decline. The decline can be attributed to various factors, one of which is the quality of silkworm eggs. The silkworm eggs commonly bred by farmers are no longer resistant to diseases. In order to ensure the sustainability of natural silk production in Soppeng District, the government has implemented a policy to distribute high quality silkworm eggs for free, imported directly from China. The research aims to assess the effectiveness of providing free silkworm eggs as assistance on the income levels of silkworm farmers. This study employs a quantitative descriptive analysis through interviews and observations conducted with 58 respondents from 8 different farmer groups. The finding of the research indicate that the distribution of subsidized silkworm eggs from China in the specific quantities has not been effective yet. The hatching ability of silkworm eggs distributed to farmers varies depending on the storage period. Silkworm eggs distributed immediately after import have a high hatching rate, whereas eggs distributed after being stored for a long time in the refrigerator have a low hatching rate. Silkworm egg importers must ensure high hatching rate of the distributed silkworm eggs to farmers The system for submitting proposals to farmer groups has been established in accordance with the guideline set by the local department of food crops, horticulture, plantations and food security.