Consumer Preference for Indigenous Vegetables

In the past, Indonesian agriculture has provided an important contribution to local livelihoods and the national economy, accounting for 13.8% of gross national product (BPS, 2008). It is estimated that there are 24 million ha of underutilized dryagricultural land in Indonesia. Poor households living in those areas have a high level of dependency on agriculture because thenon-agricultural economy is not well developed. It is crucial that the government implement policies that stimulate and diversify smallholder agricultural, horticultural and livestock sectors, including the rehabilitation of private land with high-value timber and fruit tree species. If supported, smallholder sectors can contribute to reducing rural poverty and strengthening the national economy. A research study was conducted in and around Bogor, West Java, to document consumer knowledge, preferences and consumption behavior in relation to four indigenous vegetables—katuk, kucai, honjeand tebu telor—and inform stakeholders of opportunities for commercialization.