THE BESOEKISCH EXPERIMENTAL STATION AND HIGH-YIELD CROP PRODUCTION (1910–1942)

This study examines the role of the Besoekisch Proefstation as a colonial agricultural research centre that supported the plantation industry in the Besuki Residency in the early 20th century.  The institution served to increase productivity and reduce losses caused by pests, plant diseases and soil degradation. This study employs historical methods to investigate the institution’s establishment, its organisational structure, and its impact on the development of colonial plantations. The findings indicate that the Besoekisch Proefstation played a significant role in developing technological innovations such as fertilisation trials, seedling propagation techniques, pest control, plant disease management, and cross-breeding experiments, which resulted in more adaptive and productive varieties. The findings indicate that the quality of export products was directly influenced by these innovations and contributed to the economic growth of the plantation sector in the Besuki region. Furthermore, the existence of this institution demonstrates how the colonial government utilised scientific knowledge to support private economic interests. It is hoped that this research will contribute to our understanding of history and provide new insights into the dynamics of colonialism within the plantation industry.