Strategies for sustainable corn production: a case of South Lampung District, Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract

Demand for corn has been increasing from time to time. However, efforts to increase its production face multidimensional challenges and problems. This study aims to assess sustainability status, analyze leverage and prospective factors, and formulate follow-up strategies for sustainable corn production. Data used primarily were data collected through online focus group discussions and interviews with various related agencies and key informants at provincial and district levels. This study was conducted between May and October 2020 in South Lampung District. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Matrix of Cross Impact Multiplications Applied to Classification (MICMAC) were used to assess the sustainability status and analyze leverage and prospective factors. Then, the Multicriteria Policy (MULTIPOL) was used to formulate the follow-up strategies. The results show that the corn production in South Lampung District is classified as less sustainable, with a sustainability index of 49.30. The sustainability of corn production is influenced by ten leverage attributes, four of which are prospective factors, namely corn prices at the farmer level, the number of water pumps, the use of natural pesticides and fertilizers, and the number of corn shellers. The strategies for sustainable corn production could be carried out by by applying reference purchase prices effectively, strengthening farmer partnerships with the feed industry, supporting environmentally friendly corn farming, and optimization and effective use of pre-harvest and post-harvest machinery. It is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of various assistance and policies implemented at this time to improve the implementation of programs/policies in the future.