Farmer response and financial feasibility of corn seed production in Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

To support the growth and development of corn in Southeast Sulawesi, information of farmer response and financial feasibility of corn seed production in South East Sulawesi are needed. The paper aims to determine farmers' response and financial feasibility of corn seed production in Southeast Sulawesi, The results of this study are expected to be input for local governments in developing community-based seed breeders and can be useful for corn seedling businesses. The study was conducted in marc 2017 in Pangan Jaya Village, Lainea District, Konawe Selatan Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The study was carried out by involving 20 farmers, 10 people for the production of corn seed production technology and 10 non-cooperator farmers who carried out according to the patterns and habits of farmers (feed corn production). The data collected consists of (1) corn seed production data based on the results of corn seed reall production (2) farmer and non-breeder farm input data, consisting of expenditures for the purchase of production facilities and labor costs. The results of research were (1) Farmers' response obtained, 83% of farmers gave a good perception of the breeding business of corn seeds. it means that corn breeding business is very likely to be cultivated and developed further. (2) Corn seed production business in Southeast Sulawesi is financially profitable and feasible to be developed with a B/C value of 2.15 and MBCR 4.4. These results indicate that the corn seed production business has good development prospects In order to support the continuous supply and fulfill of the need for quality corn seeds in Southeast Sulawesi, it is necessary to develop breeding of corn seeds, especially in areas of corn development centers. Market support is very much needed for the marketing of seed production. Market certainty will provide opportunities for the growth of new breeders, and will ensure the sustainability of corn seed breeding business at the farm level.