PRAKTEK USAHATANI PADI SAWAH BERKELANJUTAN (KASUS USAHATANI PADI VARIETAS LOKAL)

Abstract

Each type of rice variety has characteristics that affect rice cultivation. The use of plant-breeding rice seeds is proven to increase the productivity of rice plants, but has the potential to cause problems for the environment and the sustainability of farming. Local varieties of rice farming are believed to meet more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural criteria. The purpose of this study was to describe local variety rice farming in West Sumatra in terms of sustainable agriculture criteria and to analyze the factors that influence farmers to use local variety rice seeds. The research locations are in areas with a distribution rate of more than 60% of local varieties, namely in the districts of Agam, Lima Puluh Kota and Solok. Collecting data using mix methods (combination method), namely by combining quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitative data was obtained by distributing questionnaires to 60 respondents and qualitative data was obtained through in-depth interviews with informants who were considered to know the research topic. Quantitative data was measured using a Likert measurement scale and SEM analysis with the Stata program. The results of quantitative data are supported and strengthened by the results of qualitative data analysis. The results showed that local varieties of rice farming meet the indicators of sustainable agriculture. The factors that influence farmers to use local varieties of rice seeds are a). rice taste and texture. b). Rice seeds availability. c). more diverse d). more resistant to environmental stress and attacks by pests and plant disease, e). demand is quite high. It is recommended to maintain the sustainability of local variety rice farming, especially in the planting centers and areas of origin, preserve local variety rice through storing genetic material and information and carry out research and studies to increase productivity and competitiveness of local variety rice farming in order to meet food availability in a sustainable manner.