Comparatif analysis on working time allocation of the system of rice intensification (SRI) and non-SRI rice farming in West Sumatra

The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is an effective and efficient rice farming technique to increase the rice yield. However, the preliminary finding indicates that most farmers are reluctant to apply the SRI farming system because it takes a lot of time and is more complicated than conventional rice farming systems. The aims of this research are to examine the working time allocation on both SRI and Non-SRI farming systems and investigate the difference between both farming systems. This research was conducted in two regions of West Sumatera to represent upland and lowland areas during the period of Mei – June 2018. The region that represents the upland area is Simarosok Village in the district of Agam, and the lowland area is Kasang Village in the district of Padang Pariaman. The research found that the average working time allocation on the SRI farming system was 145.41 man day/Ha, while on the non-SRI farming system was 91.40 man day/Ha. Thus there was a significant difference between time allocation on SRI and Non-SRI farming systems in West Sumatera. Working time allocation on the SRI farming system was higher than the non-SRI farming system in the following activities: planting, weeding, making of organic fertilizer, and time to control the irrigation. Based on findings, it is suggested to the government and other related parties to provide appropriate weeding technology as well as organic fertilizer. Moreover, the farmers should be able to split time wisely between SRI farming and other business.