Farmers perception of the utilization of agricultural waste as a feed in Maros regency

Abstract

Utilization of agricultural waste as feed has many benefits for both the agricultural and livestock aspects. This study aims to determine the practice of using agricultural waste by farmers in Maros district. The study was conducted in April - July 2016 in two sub-districts, namely Bantimurung District (paddy field/rice and corn centers) and Mallawa District (dry land / plantation). Surveys of farmers who raise cattle and utilize agricultural waste as the main feed source are carried out by trained enumerators. The variables measured are farmers’ perceptions of the utilization of agricultural waste in terms of the fulfillment of livestock needs, including the adequacy of nutrition for livestock, the adequacy of the amount of availability and timeliness of provision for livestock. From the aspect of the ability of farmers, includes ease, accessibility, adequate time, adequate labor. At the paddy fields area, agricultural waste that is used as food is rice and corn straws. At the plantation site, agricultural waste that is used as food is rice straw, corn, peanuts and hedgerow waste (legumes). Farmers’ perception of the fulfillment of livestock needs is in a different category, namely medium in the paddy field location and high in the plantation location. In terms of farmers’ ability, perceptions of farmers in the plantation area are in the high category while in the paddy filed area are in the medium category.