The role of farmer groups in the development of dryland farming in Ketos Village, Paranggupito Subdistrict, Wonogiri Regency

Abstract

Farmer groups are play an important role in solving the farmers’ problems, especially about their farming activities. This study aims to find out the role of farmer groups in the development of dry land farming in Ketos Village using qualitative descriptive methods. The results showed that Ketos Village farmer groups conducted activities such as farmer deliberation, farmers group gathering, agricultural counselling, and gotong-royong. Based on these activities, Ketos Village farmer group is able to act as a learning class, production unit, and cooperation. Farmer group as a learning class is a farmer group as place that provides information needed by its members related to the issue of farming activities. Farmer group as a production unit means that farmer groups play a role in the provision of agricultural facilities and tools, especially subsidized seeds, and fertilizers. Farmer groups as a medium of cooperation is not only between internal groups but also for external. Then this role is able to help farmers’ activities in solving problems in dry land.