Rubber Productivity Improvement Program Based on the Socioeconomic Characteristics of Rubber Smallholders in Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province

Abstract

The database of rubber smallholdings is indispensable to design programs related to increasing rubber production and productivity in rubber smallholdings. This study aims to obtain data on the socioeconomic characteristics of rubber smallholders in Banyuasin Regency, which can be used to design a program to increase rubber production and productivity in the district. The research was conducted using the survey method. The location was selected purposively considering that Banyuasin Regency is one of rubber plantation centers in South Sumatra. Sampling was carried out by combining purposive, stratified random sampling and random sampling methods with 160 respondents from 4 sub-districts: Sembawa District, Banyuasin III District, Suak Tapeh District and Betung District. Results of the study show that Banyuasin Regency has the characteristics of a progressive area. Taking these characteristics into account, the program to increase the production and productivity of rubber in Banyuasin Regency is to accelerate rubber replanting which can be carried out through: 1)  improving planting material quality and introducing new recommended clones by establishing budwood garden of new recommended rubber clones such as IRR 112, IRR 118, IRR 220 and IRR 230; 2) providing funds and credit facilities for rubber replanting; and 3) providing technical guidance on rubber cultivation especially in controlling rubber diseases of pestalotiopsis leaf fall disease and white root disease. In addition, rubber farmers also need tapping schools to improve their skills in tapping techniques. Furthermore, group coaching is more directed to increase the establishment of cooperatives or rubber processing and marketing unit (UPPB).