Assessing the irrigation system distribution to the cropping index and rice land potency in North Tapanuli Regency

Abstract

The irrigation system is one of the main supporting factors to increase the production of an agricultural commodity, especially for rice. Recently, the significant contribution from the irrigation system gives small value because of some issues such as climate change, land use change, and the infrastructure damage from the irrigation infrastructure system itself. Indeed, it is affecting the total rice production. This study has objectives to map the distribution of irrigation canal system and to observe the correlation of irrigation canal distribution to the cropping index, total irrigated-area, total harvested area, and the total rice production in North Tapanuli Regency. The Geographical Information System (GIS) was applied for the mapping of the irrigation canal system distribution, and the SPSS through Pearson Correlation was implemented as well to analyze the correlation of the irrigation system in rice cultivation. The results show that the distribution of irrigation canal system has no correlation with the total irrigated area and the other parameters. Besides, it was found that the highest of the total irrigated area is located in Siborong-borong, Pangaribuan and Pagaran Districts by covered 2,561 ha, 2,254 ha and 1,711 ha, respectively. Then, it was observed that the total irrigated area has significant correlation with the total harvested area, total production and productivity. In addition the cropping index has positively correlation with the total rice production. Based on the results, it needs to increase the irrigated-coverage area on the districts level, to enhance the future rice production sustainability.

Analysis of rice paddy farmers' perceptions of subsidized fertilizer policy on tidal and irrigated land

“…The provision of subsidized fertilizers will increase the efficiency and effectiveness of farming because it has implications for increasing rice productivity (1). Subsidized fertilizers can improve the welfare of Indonesian farmers (2). Most farmers in Indonesia need subsidized fertilizers because prices are more affordable with subsidies provided by the government, reducing production costs (3).…”