A Model for Accelerating Rice Planting in Paddy Fields to Provide Food in Banten Province during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The Indonesian government continues to ensure the availability of rice as a staple food through various programs, including optimization of paddy fields. Paddy field management is directed and encouraged more intensively by accelerating planting and minimizing idle land. The form of support and stimulation provided by the government to farmers is in the form of counseling and assistance, providing seed assistance, and facilitation of agricultural machinery and other facilities so that rice fields can be more intensive and productive. The study was conducted in Lebak Regency and Serang City, Banten Province from April to August 2020. Data and information were obtained through surveys and interviews with farmers, extension agents, researchers, and agricultural department officials. The research method used a systems approach based on soft systems methodology. The results of the study showed the acceleration of planting as an indicator of the optimization of wetland land in Lebak Regency and Serang City had been achieved as targeted. The role of the extension agents as a driving force was very decisive in the achievement of additional planting areas. The use of information technology, such as applications for monitoring standing crops, was very helpful for extension agents in detecting land to be planted, planting achievements, and reported data. The system of coordination and guidance between agencies and officers to accelerate planting was quite effective and efficient. Support and facilities for agricultural extension agents had to be improved to achieve accelerated planting performance.