The Impact of Using Combine Harvester Technology on Social Economic Conditions of Swamp Rice Farmers and Harvest Workers in South Sumatera

Abstract

The objectives of this research were: (1) to analyze the use of labor allocation, productivity and income of swamp rice farmers of users and non-users of combine harvester technology; (2) to explore the impact of combine harvester technology and other factors on rice farm income; and (3) to analyze the impacts of using combine harvester technology on the socio-economic condition of farmers and harvest workers. From the result of the research, it can be seen that the amount of labor allocation in swamp rice farming conducted by farmer users of combine harvester is smaller than that of the non-users, that is 57,60 HOK and 117,63 HOK respectively. The productivity of swamp rice farming on the users is 4.543.56 kg per hectare per year in the form of dry grains whereas that of the non-users only reached 4,423,33 kg per hectare per year. Income of swamp rice farming using combine harvester is larger if compared with that of the non users that is equal to Rp14,942,737.16 per hectare per year for the users and Rp9,954,095.76 per hectare per year for the non-users. From the result of regression analysis, it can be seen that dummy variables of combine harvester technology, experience of farming, productivity, fertilizer cost, pesticide cost and labor cost have significant impacts on rice farmer income. Combine Harvester technology has both positive and negative impacts on social, economic and technical conditions in swamp rice farming for the farmers and worker harvesters.

Keywords: combine harvester, social, economy, rice, swamp