Technological Innovation to Increase The Cropping Index of Rice on Rainfed Fields At Labuhanbatu Regency

Abstract

The study of technological innovations to increase the cropping index in Rainfed Rice Fields aims to increase farmers’ knowledge and skills regarding rice farming so that their rice fields can be planted with rice more than once a year. This activity was conducted in Selat Beting Village, Panai Tengah District, Labuhan Batu Regency in 2021. The assessment was carried out in one area, consisting of the Field Laboratory (LL) location and the Field School (SL) location. The Field Laboratory is a study area covering an area of 5 ha. The treatmen use in this study was variety, seeding methods, planting methods, fertilizer dosage and pest control.The results of this study shown that the production of demo-farm area was 6.65 t/ha, while non-demo-farm only produced 4.76 t/ha. Farmers in Selat Beting village can plant rainfed rice at least twice a year. Selat Beting Village farmers have been introduced to rice farming business insurance (AUTP). Farmers who try to insure their crops do not mind because they pay very low premiums and are affordable for farmers. Based on rainfall patterns in Labuhanbatu Regency, farmers can plant rice at least twice a year, where in certain months there is rainfall, but it is not sufficient to irrigate the fields, therefore they must be assisted with shallow well pumps.