FAKTOR YANG BERPENGARUH TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PETANI ADOPSI USAHATANI PADI SAWAH DI DESA TELUK KELASA KECAMATAN KERITANG PROVINSI RIAU

Abstract

Rice serves as the primary food source for the Indonesian population, yet the number of lowland rice farmers has seen a decline. This study seeks to analyze the following aspects: 1) Characteristics of farmers and their farming profiles; 2) Attributes of innovation and the effectiveness of extension workers; 3) Factors significantly impacting farmers' decisions to adopt lowland rice farming; and 4) Strategies to enhance the adoption of lowland rice farming. Conducted in Teluk Kelasa Village, Keritang District, Indragiri Hilir Regency, the study utilized a survey method with quota sampling, categorizing participants into two groups: 35 farmers who ceased lowland rice cultivation and 50 farmers who continued. Data were analyzed through descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative (Logit regression) methods. The findings revealed that: 1) The age of farmers who continued cultivation averaged 53.98 years, which is older than the 49.2 years average of those who stopped. Farmers who persisted in lowland rice farming generally had a higher education level (average of 6.84 years, equivalent to elementary school graduates) compared to those who stopped (5.74 years, on average did not complete elementary education). Additionally, experienced farmers who continued farming averaged 27.08 years of practice, while those who stopped had only 16.9 years. The land area managed by the continuing farmers was greater, averaging 2.51 ha, in contrast to the 2.10 ha managed by those who ceased farming. Furthermore, productivity for the continuing farmers was 3,052 tons/ha, surpassing the 2,479 tons/ha recorded by those who stopped. 2) Continuing farmers highlighted the economic profitability of rice fields based on cultural practices, whereas non-adopters perceived them as less profitable. Both groups agreed that the complexities of rice farming were high and noted that agricultural extension workers were underperforming. 3) Factors that significantly influence the decision to continue lowland rice farming include farming experience, lowland rice productivity, and relative profitability. 4) Enhancing the performance of agricultural extension workers is crucial for empowering farmers to improve their skills, thereby increasing productivity and benefiting their livelihoods.