Towards sustainable Salak Pondoh Sleman (Salacca edulis cv Reinw) farming system: A socio-economic perspective

Abstract

Salak Pondoh Sleman (Salacca edulis cv Reinw) is a product that has been certified as a geographical indication product. Therefore, maintaining its sustainability is importantly required. This study aims to determine the sustainability status of Salak Pondoh Sleman farming system based on its sustainability index, specifically in a socio-economic perspective. To achieve the goal, the socio-economic factor that influences the sustainability status of Salak Pondoh Sleman farming system was determined. Economic sustainability was assessed based on income, selling price, and farming costs, while social sustainability was reviewed based on the participation of farmers in their group. A structured questionnaire was developed and distributed through a survey in three subdistricts area within Sleman subdistrict, namely Tempel, Turi, and Pakem in 2019. A multi-dimensional scaling for Rapid Assessment Techniques for Salacca (RAPSalacca) test, a test developed for determining sustainability index based on an influential factor, was performed and revealed that selected attributes contribute to sustainable farming of Salak Pondoh Sleman. The sustainability of Salak Pondoh Sleman farming system is further explained in this study.