Not only that, but shallots also serve as a source of income and employment, contributing significantly to the local economic development.

Although farmers have a strong interest in shallot agribusiness, they still encounter several challenges in the farming process, both technical and economic. These farmers often face difficulties improving their agricultural productivity due to various factors, including limited knowledge of cultivation techniques. Meanwhile, its strategic position as a favorite cooking spice in various dishes has led to consumers' high demand for high-quality shallots.

Agricultural products, including shallots, still face issues related to price fluctuations and high sensitivity to market changes, mainly due to shifts in supply and demand. Farmers struggle with the high cost of quality seeds during the planting season, whereas during harvest, they face low selling prices.

In response to this, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), through the Community Service Institute (LPPM) USU, led by Dr. Ir. Tavi Supriana, M.S., has provided technological assistance to farmers in one of the horticultural centers of North Sumatra Province, namely Siborongborong Subdistrict, North Tapanuli. This initiative aims to help farmers increase shallot production in the area. The technology introduced involves the application of growth hormones and seedling development for local farmers. The program was conducted in collaboration with the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) Sinur, Siborongborong Subdistrict.

The activities included socialization on shallot cultivation, an introduction to growth hormones and training on their application methods, and the provision of high-quality shallot seedlings and growth hormones. Through this assistance, Dr. Tavi hopes that farmers will be more motivated to engage in shallot seedling production and better understand a more efficient shallot seedling marketing chain.

All socialization activities and aid distribution were conducted at the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) Sinur, Siborongborong Subdistrict, on August 22, 2020. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the number of participants was limited, and strict health protocols were implemented to prevent virus transmission.

The progress and results achieved by the USU Community Service Team and the outcomes observed within the partner community include increased farmer motivation to cultivate shallots. Additionally, farmers have become more encouraged to engage in shallot seedling production and have gained a better understanding of a more efficient seedling marketing chain.