Farm Costs Research Articles

Opportunities and Challenges on Natural Farming

Natural Farming, an ecological and sustainable agricultural practice, emphasizes minimal human intervention and the use of natural resources for crop cultivation. Unlike conventional farming, which relies heavily on chemical inputs, Natural Farming integrates practices such as minimal tillage and organic inputs like cow dung and plant-based preparations. This case study explores Natural Farming practices among farmers in Tamil Nadu, focusing on their experiences, opportunities, and challenges. The study includes detailed case studies of three farmers in Coimbatore District and each farmer employing different natural farming techniques and facing unique obstacles. The findings reveal that Natural Farming offers significant benefits, including reduced farming costs, improved soil health, and enhanced market opportunities for organic produce. Farmers reported that these practices lead to better crop resilience and higher-quality produce, often fetching premium prices. However, challenges persist, including difficulties in weed control, pest and disease management, labor shortages, and delay in certification, which can affect market access and profitability. The study underscores the potential of Natural Farming to transform agricultural practices by promoting sustainability and reducing dependence on chemical inputs. It also highlights the need for supportive interventions, such as enhanced market access, comprehensive farmer training, and government support to address the identified challenges and maximize the benefits of Natural Farming. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of Natural Farming's role in sustainable agriculture and its implications for farmers in Tamil Nadu.

An environmental cost-benefit analysis of organic and non-organic sheep farming in Iceland

This paper presents an environmental cost-benefit analysis (CBA) comparing organic and non-organic sheep farming in Iceland over three decades. Environmental life cycle costing (ELCC) is the basis for the aggregate cost framework, encompassing costs for investment, operations, maintenance, and environmental externalities. Greenhouse gas emissions are included as an external cost as they relate to the monetization of damages to society. Net present value (NPV) and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) indicators reveal both systems as unprofitable over thirty years with and without subsidies. Depending on the discount rate, the organic farm's BCR ranges from 0.26 to 0.38, with a NPV between (-2.4) and (-1.1) million euros. The non-organic farm's BCR ranges from 0.12 to 0.19, with NPV between (-8.6) and (-3.7) million euros. Greenhouse gas emission costs constitute 28% and 33% of total life cycle costs for organic and non-organic farms. Across three discount rates, the LCC and ELCC per kilogram of organic lamb ranged between €13.78 – 25.27 and €18.23 – 37.07, respectively. The LCC and ELCC per kilogram of non-organic lamb ranged between €9.75 – 18.05 and €13.80 – 28.82, respectively. Due to a shortened value chain, organic sheep farming demonstrated revenue advantages as compared to non-organic. The external cost of greenhouse gas emissions from sheep farming forms a significant portion of lifetime costs suggesting that policymakers could incentivize organic practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, this study provides a deeper understanding of the long-term economic prospectivity of sheep farming under different production approaches.

A framework for cost-effectiveness analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation measures in dairy industry with an application to dairy farms in China

The dairy industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Although much effort has been directed to explore the cost-effective measures for many sectors such as electricity, building infrastructure, transportation, research on mitigation measures within dairy industry remains limited. A notable obstacle is the absence of a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) framework to guide decision-makers and practitioners in this sector. In response, we propose a comprehensive CEA framework tailored to mitigate GHG emissions in the dairy industry. Our conceptual framework consists of six steps: defining the system boundary to determine the activities generating GHG emissions; identifying GHG emission sources within the system boundary; identifying potential mitigation measures; determining methods to quantify GHG emissions; collecting data to estimate both GHG emissions and mitigation costs; and applying general econometric methodologies to analyze the cost-effectiveness of mitigation measures. We further conducted a case study focusing on dairy farms in China, analyzing three categories of mitigation measures: feed, energy, and manure management. The results indicate that implementing effective feed and energy measures is a cost-saving strategy, reducing the cost per unit of milk production. Conversely, adopting effective manure management measures may lead to increased costs for dairy farms. The findings offer strategic recommendations for reducing GHG emissions from dairy production in China and provide analytical insights and strategic references applicable to other developing countries.

A probabilistic approach for the levelized cost of energy of floating offshore wind farms

This paper aims to analyze the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of floating offshore wind farms from a probabilistic point of view. Understanding and addressing the uncertainty associated with the main parameters that influence the wind energy generated by a wind farm during its lifetime is crucial for the economic evaluation of offshore wind energy in the broader energy landscape. The methodology for probabilistic assessment of LCOE is introduced, and the uncertainty in input parameters are discussed. In a base case study, an assumed Floating Offshore Wind Farm (FOWT) consisting of 250 5-MW wind turbines is considered. The use of bias and randomness in key random variables is discussed and studied in detail. Results indicate that LCOE estimates of 15 EURc/kWh for offshore wind turbines are achievable with reasonable confidence, while estimates of 5 EURc/kWh require careful consideration of uncertainty in the wind farm’s parameters. The feasibility analysis showed that techno-economic parameters are more influenced by wind characteristics and efficient use of wind turbines than by the cost of the wind farm. This paper provides general guidance on how to carry out early-stage techno-economic analysis of FOWFs.

Analysis of Allocative Efficiency in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Farming in the Batu Alam Industrial Area, Cirebon Regency

This research analyzes the efficiency of farming costs and the factors influencing rice farming costs. The research method used was descriptive quantitative with data collection techniques through surveys and interviews with 176 rice farmer respondents in the natural stone industrial area of Cirebon district. The analysis used is frontier cost analysis using frontier4.1 software using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) approach. This research shows that the average cost efficiency or allocative level in the natural stone industrial area is 0.20. The factor that influences the inefficiency of rice farming in natural stone industrial areas is age. Factors directly influencing farming costs are land area, urea, labor, rice selling price, land rental price, and labor wages.

Increasing the Competence of Jayapura Regency’s Famers Through Training in Organic Fertilizer Production to Increase Plant Growth

The aim of this training is to increase the competence of farmers in Yobeh Village in terms of (1) farmers can utilize agricultural residues and organic waste; (2) farmers can reduce farming costs; and (3) farmers can produce environmentally friendly agricultural commodities. Training is carried out face to face so that farmers can carry out the stages of making organic fertilizer. Training activities were carried out in Yobeh Village, Sentani Kota District, Jayapura Regency. The tools and materials used in composting training consist of EM4 solution, water, forage or straw, husks, buckets, scoops, knives, or scissors. This training activity was carried out using lecture, training, and mentoring methods for participants. Based on the results of the training activities, it can be concluded: (1) The training participants had high enthusiasm and were proactive in asking several questions; (2) Basically, participants have used organic fertilizer in their farming activities, but have not used EM4 solution; and (3) Participants are able to understand the benefits, processes and materials used in making organic fertilizer. Suggestions that can be conveyed by the author include: (1) It is hoped that training participants will be able to utilize organic waste into organic fertilizer; and (2) Local regional governments are expected to provide training to improve farmer competency.

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN USAHATANI PADI ORGANIK DAN KONVENSIONAL DI KECAMATAN MOJOGEDANG KABUPATEN KARANGANYAR

Rice farming is the dominant farming business in Java, one of which is Central Java. Rice is still the primadonna commodity because the staple food of most Indonesian people is rice. Currently, there is starting to be a shift from previously conventional farming techniques to organic farming to maintain soil fertility and environmental safety. This research aims to analyze the income and feasibility of organic rice farming and conventional rice farming in Mojogedang District, Karanganyar Regency and was carried out in June-August 2023. This research was carried out using a quantitative approach and descriptive analysis. The research location was determined purposively in the Tani Mulyo 1 Group, Mojogedang District, Karanganyar Regency, involving 25 organic rice farmers and 25 conventional rice farmers. This research uses cost, revenue, income analysis, and also feasibility analysis using the R/C ratio and Break Event Point (BEP). The results of the analysis show that the total cost of organic rice farming is IDR. 9,960,600,- and costs for conventional rice farming are IDR. 10,117,375,-. Average revenue from organic farming is Rp. 47,094,000,- and the average revenue from conventional rice farming is Rp. 40,414,400. Based on these results, the difference between revenues and costs is known so that the income obtained in organic rice farming is Rp. 37,133,400,- and conventional rice farming income is Rp. 30,297,025,-. The R/C ratio value for organic rice farming is 4.73 and for conventional rice farming is 3.99. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that organic rice farming and conventional rice farming are both feasible to run, but organic rice farming will provide a higher level of profit.

Study on socio-economic status and farming practices of fish farmers in Pachrauta Municipality, Bara, Nepal

An interview-based questionnaire survey was done in 2021 to assess the socio-economic conditions, farming practices adopted, and problems faced by fish farmers and to analyze the cost and benefits of fish farming in the Fish super zone area of Pachrauta Municipality, Bara district. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 60 respondents for the study and the information collected was analyzed and processed by MS-Excel and SPSS. The majority of respondents were male, belonged to the age group of 25–36 years, and had a secondary level of school education. The mean total land holding size was found to be 3.65 ± 2.57 bigha with a total pond area of 1.38 ± 1.08 bigha and a small minority (18 %) practiced contract farming. Most of the farmers were found to have experience of 6–11 years (40 %). The farming system was polyculture and mostly Intensive (60 %). While the use of modern equipment was low (25 %), the majority of farmers (>90 %) practiced regular drying and liming of ponds. Mid-April to Mid-July was the most preferred time of stocking and the big fraction of feed used was locally prepared (70 %). Fertilizer use and Multiple harvesting were also common. Fish farming in the study area was found to fetch an average annual income of 0.95 million NRs. The major problems faced by farmers were Expensive feed (0.67), Lack of quality seeds (0.60), and Lack of proper marketing channels (0.55). Despite the constraints, Economic analysis revealed fish production in the study area as a profitable business with a BC ratio of 2.20 and a high gross margin value (Rs. 1330341.6 per hectare).

Economics of Milk Production of Local Cows in Bhagalpur District of Bihar

"Given that most Indians consume vegetarian food, their demand for dairy products has been growing gradually and is anticipated to do so in the future. A list was made based on the cumulative square root and the size group of milk producers, namely small, medium, and large, in order to distinguish between Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS and Non-DCS) populations. The sample size was calculated using the Taro Yamane method to be 278 samples from 912 milk producer populations in the chosen six villages of each block. The overall farm costs C were estimated to be ` 36.28 thousand, with the small farm ` 36.50 thousand spending the most, followed by the medium farm spending in ` 36.47 and the large farm spending of ` 33.86 thousand. The overall farm cost of milk production was estimated to be 29.17 per Kg, which varied from ` 33.25 per Kg of small farms to ` 32.15 per Kg of medium farms to ` 28.47 per Kg of large farms. The average gross return per cow for the overall farm was in ` 44.85 thousand per year, which varied from ` 44.23 thousand for small farms to ` 45.86 thousand for medium farms to ` 48.58 thousand for large farms."

Analysis Feasibility Of Farming Ground Water Spinach (Ipomoea Reptans Poir)

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the feasibility of land spinach farming in Sukarukun Village, Sukatani District, Bekasi Regency, to understand the profitability for farming families. Methodology: The study employed a saturated sample method with a population of 30 individuals. Data analysis included total cost analysis, revenue, income, R/C ratio, and Break Even Point (BEP). Results: The results showed that the average total cost was IDR 52,448,625 per year, revenue was IDR 75,600,000 per year, and income was IDR 23,151,375 per year. The R/C ratio was 1.4, indicating that the farming business is feasible. The BEP for production was 3,108 kg, BEP for price was IDR 4,162 per kg, and BEP for revenue was IDR 18,653,718. Findings: The study found that land spinach farming in the study area is profitable and feasible, as indicated by the R/C ratio and BEP calculations. Novelty: This research provides new insights into the economic feasibility of land spinach farming, contributing valuable information for farmers and stakeholders in agricultural planning. Originality: The study offers a detailed economic analysis of land spinach farming, highlighting key metrics such as total cost, revenue, income, R/C ratio, and BEP, which are essential for assessing farming viability. Conclusions: Land spinach farming in Sukarukun Village is economically feasible with a favorable R/C ratio and manageable BEP, making it a viable agricultural activity for local farmers. Type of Paper: Empirical Research Artikel Keywords: Farming Cost; Land Spinach; Feasibility; Revenue; Income

Cost and revenew analysis of arrowroot farming in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract Arrowroot is a commodity that has been cultivated for generations in Yogyakarta. Arrowroot can grow on land that is exposed to little sunlight that can be planted on yard or even developed on a large scale on land under crop stands so that it can increase land productivity and increase farmers’ income. Arrowroot can be used as raw material for flour. As a result, Garut is a viable local food source with economic potential that should be considered in future. This study aimed to determine the costs, revenues, incomes, profits, and efficiency of arrowroot farming in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The basic research method used in this research is descriptive and analytical. This study used survey techniques to conduct door-to-door interviews with arrowroot farmers. The purposive sampling method was used to select the sample, with respondents being farmers who actively cultivated arrowroot every year and were registered in Department of Agriculture and Food Security of Yogyakarta. The total research sample was 92 farmers spread across 3 sub-districts in Yogyakarta. Cost analysis, revenue, income, farm profit, and the R/C ratio were all used in the analysis. The results showed that the average farming costs in one growing season consisted of explicit costs of IDR 1,634,728.07/ha and implicit costs of IDR 21,034,373.62/ha. The average farm revenue was IDR 13,491,298.19/ha. The average farm income was IDR 11,856,570.12/ha. The average farm profit was -IDR 9,177,803.50/ha. The average R/C ratio on explicit costs was 8.25, meaning the farm is efficient, and the average R/C ratio on total costs was 0.60, meaning the farm is inefficient.

KOMPARASI SISTEM TANAM JAJAR LEGOWO DAN KONVENSIONAL PADA PRODUKSI DAN PENDAPATAN USAHA TANI PADI SAWAH DI DESA KUIMASI KECAMATAN FATULEU KABUPATEN KUPANG

The Jajar Legowo planting system is a new innovation which in its application aims to increase production and income in lowland rice farming businesses when compared with Conventional planting systems, so this study aims to determine production and income and the magnitude of the difference in productivity and income from lowland rice farming using the Jajar Legowo and Conventional planting systems in Kuimasi Village, Fatuleu District, Kupang Regency. To find out the production and income of rice farming, it is necessary to calculate the farmer's income level using farming income analysis calculations. The results of this study (1) The total production cost of lowland rice farming in Kuimasi Village, Fatuleu District, Kupang Regency using the Jajar Legowo planting system is IDR. 8,420,754.3/Ha, total revenue of Rp. 41,250,000/Ha with an average income of Rp. 32,829,245.7/Ha and the total cost of lowland rice production using a conventional planting system is Rp. 7,258,456.3/Ha, total revenue of Rp. 52,500,000/Ha with an average income of Rp. 45,241,543.7/Ha. (2) The total production costs of lowland rice farming using the Jajar Legowo planting system and the conventional planting system have a difference of Rp. 1,162,289/Ha. The total revenue from rice farming using the Jajar Legowo planting system and the conventional planting system has a difference of Rp. 11,250,000/Ha. The average income using the Jajar Legowo planting system and the conventional planting system has a difference in income of Rp. 12,412,298/Ha in one planting season. Based on these calculations, it can be concluded that the total production costs using the Jajar Legowo planting system are greater than the total production costs using the Conventional planting system, but the total revenue and income using the Conventional planting system is greater than the total revenue and income using the Jajar Legowo planting system.

Cayenne Pepper Seed Partnership Sustainability Strategy (Case Study of "You Seed" Company Jember East Java)

Jember is one of the Cayenne pepper-producing districts in East Java. It is among the top 10 cayenne pepper producers in East Java and has the potential to contribute raw materials for cayenne pepper seeds. One of the superior seed-producing companies in Jember Regency is PT. Benih Unggul Sejati or You Seed Company. The company partners with cayenne pepper farmers in Jember to get raw seed materials. The higher demand for seeds is a problem, namely the farmers' lack of raw seed materials in stock. Farmers often provide seeds from their cayenne pepper harvest in quantities below the target set by the company. The sampling method uses a total sampling of 28 respondents. The data collection method uses observation, interview, and literature study methods. The research methods used are descriptive and quantitative. The results of the study are the sustainability strategy of the partnership that exists between the company PT. Benih Unggul Sejati and cayenne pepper seed farmers, namely the company strengthening emotional relationships with partner farmers through increasing the frequency of visits to partner farmers' land; the company provides capital loan assistance of up to 50% of the total cost of cayenne pepper farming expenses to partner farmers; utilizing waring technology in the cayenne pepper cultivation process; expanding the sales market for cayenne pepper seeds both nationally and internationally and cooperating with fellow IPBH member companies.

A small autonomous field robot for strawberry harvesting

This paper presents the subsystem descriptions and testing of a small robotic platform intended to harvest strawberries that are grown on elevated beds in open field conditions. Agricultural robots can assist in the optimization of farm resources and help solve issues related to increasing farm costs and labor shortages. Monolithic, large size harvesters are already in development; however, they are susceptible to single-point-of-failure and lack the flexibility to adapt to varying field conditions and farm sizes. The proposed robotic harvester covers one row at a time and features a Delta arm configuration manipulator with a five-finger structure as the end-effector to individually pick strawberries. A deep neural network-based vision subsystem using a YOLOv4 model was adopted, which was configured to detect small objects and to locate and classify strawberries into five stages of maturity. During experiments on a commercial farm, the proposed platform, including vision, manipulation, and overbed navigation and control subsystems, achieved an overall success rate of 71.7% for five environment scenarios, with a minimum of 37.5% (the most complicated scenario) and a maximum of 94.0% (the easiest scenario). The average harvesting speed of the system was 7.5 s per strawberry.

Are Lentil (Lens culinaris) Farms Productive, Profitable, and Efficient in Resource Allocation? A Cross‐Sectional Study From Nepal

ABSTRACTThe study was based on primary data from 473 lentil farmers selected randomly to analyze productivity, profitability, efficiency, and sensitivity of lentil farms in Nepal. Methods like benefit–cost, break‐even, margin safety, and sensitivity analysis, scaling technique, Cobb–Douglas type of production function, and stochastic frontier were adopted to derive farm economics, allocative, and cost efficiency levels. With average productivity of 672 kg/ha, lentil farmers in the study area were earning about 41% profit as of gross return with a profitability index of 0.78. About 45% margin of safety and estimates of benefit–cost ratio above one on all sensitivity measures is indicative of low risk and robust enterprise. Resources allocated in lentil production were found inefficient, and to achieve maximum return, expenses on land preparation, seed, nutrient, and plant protection cum irrigation should be increased by 27.6%, 80%, 33.1%, and 97%, respectively. Similarly, expenses on labor and harvesting activities need to be decreased by 30.1% and 23.6%. Labor cost and seed cost were the most important variables, and a 1% increase would surge the total production costs by 0.42% and 0.19%, respectively. The cost efficiency was estimated as 1.137 mean value, meaning that over 13.7% of the costs in lentil farms is wasted while comparing best‐practiced farm. Only about 48% of farms is fairly efficient at efficiency levels 1.0 to 1.09, but the majority is inefficient, which needs to minimize the waste of resources. Although suffering from climatic risks and production‐related problems, lentil enterprise is profitable, less risky, less sensitive, and fairly to inefficient in resource use. Wise attention is need on the part of farm management and resource utilization. Farmers are suggested to maintain farm size around 0.5 ha or below 1 ha, use only improved varietal seed, cut labor expenses with the use of machinery, and perform adequate tillage during sowing followed by effective disease management practices.

Technoeconomic Analysis of a Wind Power Generation System and Wind Resource Mapping Using GIS Tools: The Case of Twelve Locations in the Commune of Evodoula, Cameroon

This paper performs a technoeconomic analysis of the wind power potential and evaluates the cost of wind power generation in Evodoula, comparing two methods, the conventional method and the uncertainty method based on a comparative spatiotemporal approach using the geographic information system (GIS) software tool. This study is based on satellite wind data measured at 10 m above ground level (AGL) over a 40-year period (1980-2019), by the meteorological service NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)/Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). The main objectives are to obtain an appropriate design for a proven optimal location and to assess the viability of wind power at Evodoula. For this type of study, there is little literature available. The optimization of an onshore wind farm and deployment in the wind energy development interest area (ZIDEE) is carried out to obtain a minimum and parsimonious discounted cost production unitary (CPU) of the electricity produced. The results showed that in Okok, a location with a large energy deficit, an onshore wind farm with an electricity generation capacity of 12.5 MW with 5 NORDEX N100-2.5MW wind turbines would have a total energy production (TEP) of about 64.0254825 TWh and a selling price of electricity that would be 0.0034 CAD$/kWh, which is very low compared to the utility price (about 98% cheaper). The total cost of the wind farm would be about $11 million, with a net present cost of about $218 million. The annual profit generated by the wind farm would be over $6 billion. The return on investment (ROI) of the project is estimated at 2880.882%. The constructed onshore wind farm would avoid CO2 emission at over 11 MtCO2,eq/year as the energy generated is from the atmosphere. The wind farm would realize an average annual cash flow estimated at nearly $30 million after 20 years of operation. These savings would allow the installation of CO2 capture systems in conventional power plants. In addition, the analysis of uncertainties and risks was identified and quantified to estimate the confidence levels of the project development results. The risks have been assessed, and we recommend that the total uncertainty of the project is around 15%. The energy values in P75 and P90 are 10.08% and 19.22%, respectively, lower than the energy value in P50 of 11.60 GWh/An. Finally, the main policy recommendations for an inclusive design process are highlighted. The contribution of this study is to assist policy makers in making appropriate decisions in the development and implementation of energy and environmental policy in Cameroon and in many continental areas.

A Raspberry Pi-Powered IoT Smart Farming System for Efficient Water Irrigation and Crop Monitoring

Water irrigation remain as a challenge to supply adequate amount of water to sustain the growth of plant and crops yield along the year in certain part of the world which are heavily affected by climate change. This scenario creates a huge risk toward the world food supply chain. Hence, the application of smart farming system is crucially important now to pave the way for a better the agriculture monitoring system to replace traditional manual monitoring labour by farmers. The smart farming system are usually equipped with environmental stimuli sensing system such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, light intensity sensing sensors coupled with automation actuators to control the water irrigation rate for the crops in order to save water and at the same time provide adequate water supply for plant growth. The aim of using such smart farming system is to enable higher crops production and less human labour at the same time optimising resources available to minimize cost of farming. Hence, this paper aims to introduce a novel approach of a Raspberry Pi powered IoT smart farming system (ISFS) which can incorporate autonomous monitoring of plant irrigation, temperature, humidity, soil moisture and light intensity, to design a smartphone app that allows users to monitor plantation-related conditions in a user-friendly manner, and to enable automatic control of a drip irrigation system for plants based on data obtained on soil moisture, temperature and sunlight intensity. The proposed prototype with the functionality mentioned is aim to resolve the existing problem and to meet the demand of smart farming application in current era.

Efisiensi Produksi Usahatani Jagung Pada Sistem Budidaya Olah Tanah Dan Tanpa Olah Tanah Di Kabupaten Lombok Barat

The objectives of this research are 1). Analyze the level of corn productivity in the OT and TOT systems 2). Analyzing the costs and income of corn farming in the OT and TOT systems, 3). Analyze the factors that influence corn production, 4). Analyzing the efficiency of corn production in the OT and TOT systems, and 5). Analyzing the efficiency of using corn production factors in the OT and TOT systems in West Lombok Regency. This research uses descriptive methods, data collection uses survey techniques. The types of data in this research are quantitative data and qualitative data. The respondents in this study were corn farmers who are members of Gerung District, Sheet District and Sekotong District because these three Districts are the Districts that produce the most corn in West Lombok Regency. The determination of respondents was determined by quota sampling of 90 people, where from each sub-district, 15 farmers were taken using the tillage system and 15 farmers with tillage, who were taken using simple random sampling (simple random sampling) by drawing randomly. Shows that the average cost of corn farming with a tillage system is IDR 33,429,620.05 greater than the cost of corn farming with a no-till system of IDR 29,951,766.48. Production is also the same, OT 11,212.64 Kg and TOT 9,598.44 Kg. and OT income of IDR 13,663,486.65 and TOT 10,323,900.19. The production function equation for the tillage system is as follows: Y = 98,363 + 7285,316 + 10,684 - 23,083 - 0.251 - 1,070 + 67,469 + 96,180 + 148,929 - 5,275 - 0.869. The production function equation for the no-till system is as follows: Y = 376,366 + 1,398 + 56,372 + 33,368 + 1,757 + 17,095 + 513,285 + 591,852 + 648,293 + 7,566 - 112,733. The results of the production efficiency analysis show that the R/C ratio for corn farming with a tillage system is 1.84 and corn farming with a no tillage system is 1.81, which shows that both are efficient in terms of production. The results of the efficiency analysis of the use of production factors in farming with tillage and no tillage systems are at an inefficient level due to the use of production factors which is still high.

THE EFFECT OF OIL PALM FARMERS' PARTNERSHIP WITH PT. TUNGGAL YUNUS ESTATE ON FARM INCOME IN TAPUNG SUB-DISTRICT, KAMPAR DISTRICT

Partnerships in oil palm plantations aim to increase production through assistance provided by the company, so that farmers' income increases. PT Tunggal Yunus Estate is one of the companies engaged in oil palm plantations and processing in Tapung District, Kampar Regency. This study aims to: (1) determine the partnership pattern between partner farmers and PT Tunggal Yunus Estate; (2) compare farm income between partner farmers and non-partner farmers; (3) determine the factors that influence the decision of oil palm farmers to partner with PT Tunggal Yunus Estate. The number of samples used was 30 respondents consisting of 15 partner farmers and 15 non-partner farmers. Sampling on partner farmers using simple random sampling method, while sampling on non-partner farmers using purposive sampling method. The data analysis method used was descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, and binary logistic regression analysis. The results showed that the partnership pattern uses the core plasma pattern, but not pure. The difference with plasma core partnerships in general is in land and farming costs. Oil palm farming income of partner farmers amounting to Rp 44,712,326.51/ha/year is higher than oil palm farming income of non-partner farmers amounting to Rp 29,036,170.93/ha/year. The difference in income is due to differences in production levels and FFB prices. Factors that positively influence the decision of oil palm farmers to partner with PT Tunggal Yunus Estate are land area and income, while age, education level, number of family dependents, and farming experience have no significant effect.

Prediction Model of Sacha Inchi Crop Development Based on Technology and Farmers’ Perception of Socio-Economic Factors

Background: The sacha inchi plant contains nutrients that are beneficial for health, cosmetics, and food products, so it has the potential to be developed economically. The development of sacha inchi involves agricultural technology, which includes the treatment of fertilizer types that need to be studied in maintaining production and productivity. Objectives: This study aims to analyze the optimal type of fertilizer treatment on crop yields and the influence of farmers’ perceptions of socio-economic factors in the development of sacha inchi plants so that an optimal sacha inchi development prediction model is formed. Methods: The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) method was applied in the study to analyze the effect of perception of socio-economic factors, and the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) method was applied to predict the optimal fertilizer treatment model. Findings: The results of the PLS-SEM analysis showed that farmers’ perceptions of sacha inchi cultivation considered economic factors at a percentage of 50.66% and social factors at a percentage of 49.33% and had a linear relationship with the economic development of sacha inchi with a value of 0.832, although simultaneously, 77.7% was influenced by economic factors and social factors, and 22.3% was influenced outside these two factors. The ANFIS prediction results reinforced the results of the analysis, which stated that fertilizer treatment based on sacha inchi plant waste in the form of seed shells produced greater harvest weight compared with goat manure fertilizer. If farmers wanted to use a combination fertilizer, the used composition was 80% sacha inchi seed shell waste and 20% goat manure fertilizer or other materials; if the used composition was otherwise, the yield tended to decrease. This research contributes to the theory of production sustainability by integrating the optimal fertilization factor as a decision support unit in the model. Practically, this study recommends the application of fertilizer from the basic ingredients of sacha inchi seed shells to create a sustainable sacha inchi processing industry that ensures production stability, strengthens the agribusiness ecosystem, and develops the economic potential of sacha inchi and reduces the operational costs of sacha inchi farming by reducing the cost of purchasing fertilizer and supporting the circular economy model.