The Identification of Rice Varieties Used in Central Sulawesi

¹ Central Sulawesi Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology, Jl. Lasoso No. 62, Biromaru, Central Sulawesi
² Central Java Assessment Institure for Agricultural Technology, Jl. Soekarno Hatta KM.26 No.10, Tegalsari, Bergas Lor, Bergas, Sikunir, Kabupaten Semarang, Central Java 50552

^* Corresponding author: femmi_norfahmi@yahoo.co.id

Abstract

Central Sulawesi’s rice productivity in 2019 was lower compared to that in 2018. One of the problems for the low productivity of paddy in Central Sulawesi is the application of low quality of seeds. Ministry of Agriculture through Central Sulawesi AIAT has introduced a numbers of new high yielding varieties (HYV) to increase rice production and productivity. To support the dissemination of new HYV, it is important to study the rice varieties that mostly used by farmers in Central Sulawesi. The objectives of this study are to identify the rice varieties and the preferred characteristics of rice varieties that farmers usually used in Central Sulawesi. This study used primary and secondary data. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented in tables and graphs. The results show that most farmers in Central Sulawesi use Mekongga, Ciherang, and Cisantana varieties, and local varieties such as Peluncur, Dewi, Ntabone and others. Farmers generally prefer varieties which tend to produce higher yields and resistant to pests and diseases. To maintain the availability of the varieties in Central Sulawesi, it is important to train farmers to become breeders.