PENGGUNAAN INPUT PRODUKSI DALAM KEGIATAN BUDIDAYA UNTUK PENINGKATAN PRODUKTIVITAS USAHATANI PADI SAWAH DI DESA SINDANG KASIH KECAMATAN RANOMEETO BARAT KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN

Abstract

The productivity of paddy farming in Sindang Kasih Village is believed to be suboptimal because the management of production inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour still tends to rely on farmers' experience and does not fully consider the appropriate type, dosage, timing, and suitability of cultivation practices. It is therefore recommended that more effective and efficient management is implemented to increase production yields. The objective of this study is to analyse the use of production inputs in cultivation activities to improve the productivity of irrigated rice farming in Sindang Kasih Village, Ranomeeto Barat Subdistrict, South Konawe Regency. The present study employs a descriptive qualitative approach. The individuals who participated in this study were considered to have direct knowledge of, experience with, and understanding of production input usage practices in irrigated rice cultivation in Sindang Kasih Village. The selection of research informants was conducted through the utilisation of purposive and snowball sampling methodologies. The present study comprised a total of 17 informants. The data collection techniques employed in this study encompassed observational studies, in-depth interviews, documentation, and a comprehensive literature review. The research concentrated on the utilisation of production inputs, including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour, in paddy rice cultivation activities. The data obtained were analysed using qualitative descriptive analysis, comprising three stages: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results indicate that the use of production inputs in irrigated rice cultivation in Sindang Kasih Village includes seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and labour, the utilisation of which is influenced by technical and economic factors, the availability of production facilities, and farmers' experience. The use of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides tends to be adjusted to field conditions, ease of access, and farmer preferences, while labor is utilized flexibly through a combination of family and non-family labor according to cultivation needs. However, the management of production inputs is still based more on experience than on technical cultivation recommendations, leading to variations in practices among farmers and failing to fully support the efficient use of inputs and the optimization of irrigated rice farm productivity.