Ahmad Junaedi

The IPB rice technology dissemination program implemented in Pangumbahan Village, Ciracap District, Sukabumi Regency, aimed to improve the knowledge and skills of fostered partner farmers through technology transfer and innovation to increase land utilization and support the intensification of rice production. This service activity involved four active IPB students, four IPB lecturers, and the Sabilulungan Farmer Group Union (Gapoktan) as fostered partners. The method of activity implementation consisted of observation, mapping of potential and problems, program implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of the program. The implementation of the IPB rice technology dissemination program began with field observations, including a survey of field conditions. Focus group discussion (FGD) activities were conducted to map the potential and problems in the community. Program implementation consisted of training and assistance in transferring technology and innovation in rice cultivation. Monitoring and evaluation were conducted through in-depth interviews and discussions with the assisted farmers. Through the establishment of demonstration plots of IPB 3S and IPB 9G rice varieties, the community can increase its knowledge and skills regarding the development of their commodities. The implementation of technology transfer through training and practice of the IPB Prima rice cultivation technique can encourage more efficient and productive rice cultivation.

Sukoharjo Regency, Central Java, is an example of successfully implementing rice planting using the Planting Index 400 (IP-400). This study aimed to analyze the difference in total farming costs between IP-400 and non-IP-400 rice varieties and their sustainability. Farmers in Sukoharjo have succeeded in planting rice three to four times a year in rice fields with technical irrigation. This activity was carried out in five stages, i.e. 1) a Discussion with the Head of the Sukoharjo Regency Agriculture and Fisheries Service, Central Java and his staf; 2) Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the Head of the Sukoharjo Regency Agriculture and Fisheries Service, Heads of Farmer Groups and their members, Delegates from the Directorate General of Food Crops, Ministry of Agriculture, as well as related parties; 3) Field visits to rice seed entrepreneurs; 4) Field visits to "integrated farming" entrepreneurs who implement IP-400 rice cultivation; and 5) Field visits and interviews with farmers accompanied by extension workers and the Department of Agriculture as farmer advisors. Socialization and discussions have effectively increased stakeholders’ understanding of the implementation of IP-400 rice planting. This success is due to adequate technical support and infrastructure and close cooperation between farmers, local governments, and other related parties. By continuing these efforts and adapting to local conditions, the IP-400 program can become a model for other regions to sustainably increase rice production

The agricultural technology transfer and mentoring program in Pangelak Village, South Kalimantan, aims to improve the efficiency and productivity of paddy rice cultivation through the application of appropriate technology and environmentally friendly cultivation practices. This activity involved 4 active IPB students, 1 person as project manager, 1 person as supervisor, and 4 IPB lecturers. The mentoring implementation method consists of preparation, program implementation, and evaluation. The program implementation stage begins with preparation, which includes field surveys and FGDs to understand the needs and conditions of the community. The next stage is assistance and technology transfer, which includes assistance in paddy rice cultivation, bioimmunization of seeds, and making organic plant ingredients as alternative fertilizers. The evaluation stage includes conducting interviews and discussions with farmers after the mentoring and technology transfer activities. The creation of IPB 3S demonstration plots was carried out in the context of innovation adoption through training and direct practice to farmers on more efficient cultivation techniques and the use of organic fertilizers. The mentoring program can increase knowledge and skills on effective and efficient cultivation techniques to farmers, introduce the latest technologies and innovations in rice cultivation, increase the productivity of paddy rice and the welfare of farmers.

An efficient assessment of rice varieties in tropical regions is crucial for selecting cultivars suited to unique environmental conditions. This study explores machine learning algorithms that leverage multispectral sensor data from UAVs to evaluate rice varieties. It focuses on three paddy rice types at different ages (six, nine, and twelve weeks after planting), analyzing data from four spectral bands and vegetation indices using various algorithms for classification. The results show that the neural network (NN) algorithm is superior, achieving an area under the curve value of 0.804. The twelfth week post-planting yielded the most accurate results, with green reflectance the dominant predictor, surpassing the traditional vegetation indices. This study demonstrates the rapid and effective classification of rice varieties using UAV-based multispectral sensors and NN algorithms to enhance agricultural practices and global food security.

Regulation of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) are important for plants in response to submergence. In this study, the difference in non-structural carbohydrates in relation with shoot elongation between Sub1A and non-Sub1A rice genotypes was investigated. Two rice genotypes, namely Inpari30 (Sub1A genotype) and IR72442 (non-Sub1A genotype), were submerged completely for 6 days and re-aerated by lowering water level up to stem base for 6 days of post submergence. In addition, non-submerged plants (control) was treated with water level up to stem base during the experiment. Photosynthesis rate decreased in both submerged Inpari30 and IR72442 genotypes 71% and 96% lower than their control, respectively. Submerged IR72442 declined Fv/Fm 15.6% lowest than its control and both control and submerged Inpari30. Investigation of the distribution of starch and soluble sugar content in plant organs suggested that shoot elongation of non-Sub1A genotype led to starch and sugar consumption that distributed faster to the new developed organ during submergence. In contrast, Sub1A genotype of Inpari30, which did not exhibit shoot elongation and showed slower NSCs distribution during submergence, performed better on post submergence by maintaining NSCs and distributing to the new developed organ faster than IR72442. These results suggest that Sub1A genotype managed elongation and NSCs during submergence more efficiently than non-Sub1A genotype.