Market channels, quality incentives and contract harvesting : the case of maize, soybean and groundnut

The development of markets for maize, soyabean and groundnut in Indonesia over the last ten years has been characterised by increasing commercialisation and increasing market differentiation, because of the diversity of end uses. Research conducted by the Department of Agriculture in 1987 and 1988 confirmed earlier findings that commercialisation has not led to opportunities at farm level to expand returns through quality improvement. The role of contract harvesting varies independently of the degree of commercialisation. (DÜI-Sen)