Technology adoption rate of corn hybrids by farmers in Dry-land North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province

Abstract

Research objectives were to study the technology adoption rate of corn hybrids by farmers in dry-land of North Central Timor Regency. Data were collected from February to May 2011 in West Insani Sub-district, North Central Timor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province. The research population was all corn hybrid farmers as many as 904 people in West Insani Sub-district. The sampling method used was purposive sampling. The number of samples were determined using simple random sampling, respondent study amounted 133 farmers were chosen by Slovin techniques with a research design of descriptive correlation survey. The data analysis used was descriptive statistics, and inferential statistical analysis using Spearman rank correlation test (rs). The research results showed that: (1) the mean of independent variables of internal factors on formal education variables, non formal education, farming experience of hybrid corn, land size, and access to information was in the low category. The mean of independent variables of external factors which included access to financial capital was in the low category; (2) the farmers’ adoption of hybrid corn technology in the dry lands of North Central Timor Regency was in the medium category; (3) the performance and income of farmers in the production of hybrid corn was low. This was in line with the technological application of hybrid corn in dry land which had not yet been intensive; (4) the correlation between the independent variables of internal factors showed that in general there was no significant correlation with farmer adoption level in the technological application of hybrid corn. External variables in general such as the availability of facilities and infrastructure had a significant correlation with the farmer adoption level in the technological application of hybrid corn on dry-land; and (5) the farmer adoption level of hybrid corn technology with the performance of farmers showed that in general there showed a positive significant correlation with hybrid corn production and their income.

Salah satu upaya peningkatan produksi dan mutu jagung di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Timur adalah menghadirkan teknologi jagung hibrida dan mengefektifkan penerapannya di tingkat petani. Kondisi di tingkat petani lahan kering di Kabupaten Timor Tengah Utara cenderung masih mempertahankan pola usahatani yang diketahuinya. Hal ini diduga adanya peran faktor internal dan eksternal dalam penerapan teknologi jagung hibrida.