Study of meteorological drought and its impact on rainfed paddy productivity in Gunungkidul Regency

Department of Environmental Geography, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: emilya.nurjani@ugm.ac.id

Abstract

Gunungkidul Regency is known as an area that often experiences drought. On the other hand, Gunungkidul Regency is also the regency with the highest amount of rice production in the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. Rainfed paddy farming is the most widely developed type of paddy in Gunungkidul Regency where irrigation needs are determined by rainfall. Decreased rainfall that triggers meteorological drought can disrupt rainfed-based agriculture. This study aims to analyze the distribution of meteorological drought and analyze the impact of meteorological drought on rainfed paddy productivity in Gunungkidul Regency during the period 2001 – 2019. Meteorological drought identification was carried out using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). Results of the SPI classification was mapped using Spline-Tension interpolation for spatial analysis of the distribution of meteorological drought. Spatial analysis and comparison graphs were used to analyze the relationship between drought and rainfed paddy productivity. The widest meteorological drought in Gunungkidul Regency occurred in November 2006. The highest frequency of drought events occurred in Paliyan Sub-district for 50 months while the lowest occurred in Ponjong Sub-district for 30 months. Most sub-districts in Gunungkidul Regency have a positive relationship between meteorological drought. Most of rainfed paddy productivity decreased when El Nino occurred.