Garlic is an essential food commodity for the Indonesian people. However, national garlic production has consistently experienced a deficit. High consumption coupled with low production has forced the government to import garlic to meet domestic demand every year.
Data from the Ministry of Agriculture recorded that in 2016, public garlic consumption reached 465,100 tons, while production was only around 21,150 tons, resulting in a deficit of 443,950 tons. In 2017, garlic consumption was estimated to reach 482,190 tons, while production was only 20,460 tons, resulting in a deficit of 461,740 tons. As shown in the graph below, the demand for garlic continues to increase while production shrinks, widening the deficit.
For information, Indonesia's population is estimated at 261.89 million, with garlic consumption totaling 482,190 tons. Therefore, per capita garlic consumption reaches 0.18 kg/year. The harvested area is 2,420 hectares with a productivity of 8.45 tons/hectare.