Local rice conservation through local wisdom of indigenous culture in Kasepuhan Cisungsang, Banten Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Local wisdom is essential in the conservation of local rice. The utilization of local rice varieties has been carried out in the specific groups of people for centuries under local culture rules. Kasepuhan Cisungsang is one of the local cultures in Banten Kidul populated by indigenous people who still maintain local wisdom in rice cultivation. The research objective is to observe the role of Cisungsang indigenous culture in preserving local rice germplasm. The study was conducted in Kasepuhan Cisungsang, Cibeber District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province. The data used were primary and secondary data, with survey and desk study. The results showed that the law of Cisungsang culture applied not only to people and community life but also to agriculture, especially for rice cultivation. Rice, manifested as The Goddess "Dewi Sri,"has a noble position for indigenous people as it must be properly nurtured and nourished to provide optimal harvest. There were 30 varieties of local rice varieties grown in Kasepuhan Cisungsang and its surrounding areas. Still, only ten varieties were planted by the community, namely: Marileun, Terong Papak, Cireh Gudang, Kapundung, Tampay Beureum, Srikuning, Tampey Bodas, Nemol, Gadog, Angsana. The ten varieties were by the farmer preferences and adaptive strength in the local agroecosystem.