Implementation and farmer perception of corn seed production technology in Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

The availability of good quality seeds is an important factor for increasing national corn production. To ensure the availability of quality corn seeds from superior varieties produced by the IAARD, a dissemination model was carried out through the Corn Seed Independent Field School program. This paper aims to determine the implementation of independent corn seed field schools and farmers’ perceptions of seed production technology in Southeast Sulawesi. The results of research were (1) Corn Field Independent School as a concept for the dissemination of corn seed production technology has provided a change to the increase of knowledge and skills to farmers regarding the technology of corn seed production (hybrid) (2) The activities of independent corn seed field schools have grown the institution of formal corn breeders in Konawe Selatan District and have succeeded in producing quality seeds that have passed certification (3) Perception analysis was obtained, from the business aspect of corn seed production, 88% of farmers gave a positive perception, as well as farmers’ perceptions of technological characteristics, there were 95% of farmers providing a positive perception. This shows that the technology of corn seed production has the opportunity to be cultivated and further developed.