Analysis of Identification of Food Commodity Farmers’ Needs in utilizing Smart Farming Technology

Abstract

Smart farming technology (SFT) is currently widely used by farmers around the world. Especially in Asia, the use of SFT is increasing. Before introducing SFT to farmers, it is necessary to research what kind of technology farmers need based on the commodities they cultivate. The research objectives are: (1) To find out the interest in the types of Smart Farming technology (SFT) for food commodity farmers in Aceh Province; and (2) To identify differences in interest between types of Smart Farming (SFT) technology by food commodity farmers in Aceh Province. This research was conducted in 2 districts of Aceh province, namely Bener Meriah and North Aceh. The research was carried out in January 2022. The method of determining the sample in this study uses a non-probability sampling method with quota sampling as a sampling technique. This study uses descriptive statistical methods, cross tabulation test analysis and the Kruskal Wallis test. The result is interest of food commodity farmers for each type of SFT is very varied. Corn and potato farmers are interested in 3 types of SFT Autonomous Machines, Recording/Mapping and FMIS/Apps. Paddy farmers are interested in 4 types of SFT, namely Autonomous Machines, Recording/Mapping, Tractor GPS/Connected Tools, and FMIS/Apps. The SFT in demand has significant differences for each food commodity farmer, such as Recording/Mapping and Tractor GPS/Connected Tools. For Autonomous Machines and FMIS/Apps, there are no significant differences in the interest of each food commodity farmer.