INITIATION OF FARMER INSTITUTIONS IN PADDY CATTLE INTEGRATED SYSTEMS
Pepi Nur Susilawati, Maureen Chrisye Hadiatry, Hijriah Mutmainah
Banten Assessment Institute for Agricultural Technology (AIAT), Jln. Ciptayasa Km.01, Serang, Banten, 42182
Abstract
Cattle production in Banten Province is usually done alongside paddy cultivation. To gain optimum results, paddy cattle integrated systems was implemented in Sabana Mandiri Farmers Group in Rajeg Sub-district, Tangerang District of Banten Province. Since the cattle production is still carried out traditionally, the implementation of paddy cattle integrated systems needs strong institutions. The objectives of the present study were to describe methods to build strong institutions in paddy cattle integrated systems and analyze the impact for the farmers. Institutional strengthening was carried out through various methods including facilities and infrastructure assistance, improvement of cattle production systems, farmer training, and the establishment of farmer institutions. Facilities and infrastructure were provided in the form of cattle, communal cages, digester and feed warehouse. The improvement of cattle production was carried out from the shifting of an individual and a traditional cattle production into a communal and an intensive cattle production. Training was conducted to enhance farmers skill and knowledge about cattle production systems, such as feeding, cattle rearing, and by-products management. The intensive cattle production was able to increase cattle weight by an average of 143 g/ head/day or equal to 25% weight gain compared to the traditional cattle production.
Keywords: farmer institutions, cattle, paddy, integrated systems
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