The Assessment of Technology Millet (Setaria Italica (L) Beauv.) Based Multiple Cropping on Dry Land in Moluccas

Abstract

Millet (Setaria italica (L) Beauv.) is classified as a cereal plant, potentially developed as an alternative food ingredient to support food self-sufficiency in the region and nationally. The study was carried in Waeperang, Lilialy Subdistrict, Buru Regency in 2017 with the aim of obtaining recommendation for technology package for millet-based double cropping that was able to increase productivity > 20%. The study was carried out with an adaptive approach, field trial approach, and dry land agroecosystem approach, using Randomized Block Design with four treatments and repeated five times (farmers as replications). Four treatments were tested, namely: (1) Technology of Existing Planting Pattern (Millet - Peanuts - Fallow), (2) Technology of Improved Farmer Planting Pattern (Millet + Corn - Peanuts - Fallow), (3) Technology of Introducing I Planting Pattern (Millet + Corn - Peanuts - Mungbeans) and (4) Technology of Introducing II Planting Pattern (Millet + Corn/Cassava - Peanuts - Mungbeans). The results of the study indicated that the multiple cropping pattern based on millet can increase productivity of millet compared to monoculture. Intercropping of millet, namely Introduction I Planting Pattern (C Pattern): Millet + Corn - Peanuts - Mungbeans and Introduction II Planting Pattern (D Pattern): Millet + Corn/Cassava - Peanuts - Mungbeans can increase the productivity of millet crops are 23.04% and 51.55%, respectively. Introduction D Pattern (Millet + Corn/Cassava - Peanuts - Mungbeans) can be recommended as a double cropping pattern on dry land in Moluccas, and support dimensions of a food security, i.e access, availability, utilization and stability of food.