This Paper by Andrew W. Shepherd and Alexander J.F. Schalke reviews the Indonesian horticultural market information service (MIS), which was developed between 1978 and 1985 with German technical assistance. The paper makes an assessment of the efficiency of the operations of the Service and of its utility to farmers, traders and others. The study was conducted as part of an ongoing review of market information services, presently being carried out by FAO. The paper briefly describes the vegetable marketing system and the methods used to initially set up the MIS. It evaluates the present operation of the Service, assesses the extent to which the Service is used by farmers, traders, wholesalers and government officials and examines its contribution to market transparency, spatial and temporal arbitrage. A number of recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the MIS is made, although the broad conclusion is that it functions efficiently and provides a much-appreciated service. Finally, the paper draws lessons from the Indonesian experience which may be of value to other countries contemplating setting up market information services.

Download the full document