The impact of climate variables on nutmeg (Mirystica fragrans HOUTT) production in Saparua Island, Central Maluku Regency

Abstract

Nutmeg is a prime estate commodity that has high economic value, a major source of income for farmers in some areas of Maluku as well as a source of Indonesian foreign exchange through export. Nutmeg is originally from Banda archipelago, Maluku, Indonesia. Nutmeg grows in specific areas with certain agroclimatic condition, therefore climate as an environmental factor plays an important role in nutmeg production. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of climate variables on the productivity of nutmeg in Saparua Island. The study was conducted in Saparua Island, Central Maluku Regency from April to October 2017. Survey method was used in this study. Three villages were chosen purposively since they are the center of nutmeg production on the island. Direct observations were done in the fields as well as interviewing key respondents. Statistical and climate data was obtained from related institutions. Rainfall trend was analyzed to determine climate change and regression analysis was done to see the relationship between climate variables (air temperature, air relative humidity and annual rainfall) with nutmeg production in the last 10 years. The result showed that there has been an increased in total rainfall of 374 mm (13.0%) in the study area in the period of the last 30 years (1987-2016) compared with the previous period (1957-1986) which indicates there has been climate change in Saparua island. The contribution of climate variables (air temperature, air relative humidity and rainfall) to nutmeg production were 45.52%; 37.13% and 55.12% respectively.