Management performance of Asam gelugur (Garcinia atroviridis) production in farmers and its development prospects in North Sumatra

This study aims to obtain information about the management of Asam Gelugur farming and its prospects in North Sumatra Province. The survey method with purposive sampling technique was carried out in three strata locations: lowland, medium, and highland. The lowland location is represented by Dogang Village, Gebang District, Langkat Regency. The location of the medium plains is in Bulu Hawar Village, Sibolangit Regency. The highlands are in Gurgur Aek Raja Village, Tampahan District, Toba Regency. The results showed that the management of Asam gelugur farming activities in the three locations was the same. Cheap investment, low maintenance activities, and technically easy to implement, production management activities only on weeding, without fertilization, without pest and disease control, irregular spacing, and intercropping with other plants. Pest diseases can be controlled even without special treatment. The production is 50–500 kg per tree per year, according to the age of the plant. The age of the respondent farmers in the three altitude locations is around 50–60 years. The Cultivation of Asam gelugur is carried out in the yard, by the river, and in the garden. Everything is done by farmers intercropping with other crops, such as oil palm, banana, coconut, corn, and cocoa. Farmers get Break event points after the plants are 11 years old. At the age of 15 years, Asam gelugur B/C is 1.37, so Asam gelugur is very feasible to be developed. The prospect of Asam gelugur from North Sumatra is quite good, as seen from the continuous and increasing market demand for dried Asam gelugur, the selling price is competitive compared to other producing countries. In addition, the results of Asam gelugur’s research show promising benefits for health.