- Samarang is one of important subdistricts in Garut Regency for producing vegetable and fruit commodities that have high economic value besides as a tourist destination. However, the production of vegetable, particularly chili, highly fluctuates, due to several factors including poor business management, hence deep investigation related to farmer capacity in chili farming management is required. This study was conducted from April-June 2020 with aim to: (1) describe farmer capacity in chili farming, (2) analyze factors affecting farmer capacity, and (3) formulate strategy to increase farmer capacity in chili farming. The study was done with quantitative approach and supported by qualitative data in Samarang Subdistrict which was purposively selected with consideration that the location is a vegetable producing area and located near the capital of Garut. The population amounted to 102 people consisted of young people at age between 20 - 40 years old as millennial farmers. Sample was determined using the Slovin’s formula and resulted in 80 respondents. Data were collected through direct interview using close-ended questionnaire that has been tested for its validity and reliability. Data analysis was done in two techniques; namely descriptive analysis to explain the performance of independent variable, and multiple linear regression analysis to investigate factors affecting farmer capacity. Result of the study showed that farmer capacity in performing chili farming in Samarang Subdistrict belonged to the moderate category, factors found to affect farmer capacity included age, farming experience, production facility and infrastructure, and farmer group support. Moreover, the strategy to build capacity is done by performing extension to farmers based on the indicator of capacity examined. The selection of extension material should be done through descriptive analysis according to the lowest value of indicator in chili farming capacity.

Keywords : Capacity, Farming, Chili, Millennial Characteristics, Multiple Linear Regression