Evaluating farmers’ knowledge, perceptions, and practices in managing inputs of corn farming in Majalengka

Abstract

Majalengka is one of the corn-producing centers in West Java, but the average maize production is only 8.5 tons approximately, while the optimal corn production can reach 10-12.5 tons. This shows that the use of production inputs is still not optimal. This research was conducted using a structured questionnaire that given to 145 maize farmers to evaluate the knowledge, perceptions, and management practices of production inputs. Based on the research results, there were respondents who accept and reject the application of information on the application of production input. In addition, land area, number of seeds, use of urea fertilizer, and use of NPK had a significant effect on maize production in Majalengka. The results also showed that experience, input subsidies, and farmers’ knowledge had a positive and significant correlation with the use of inputs in maize farming. In addition, it is also seen that in the usage of inputs, farmers still referred to farming activities from generation to generation in their families and had not used standard maize farming needs yet. In addition, the use of production inputs was also strongly influenced by input prices and the availability of farmer capital.