INOVASI PERSEMAIAN PADI MODERN BERBASIS DAPOG SEBAGAI UPAYA PENINGKATAN KAPASITAS PETANI DI DESA KEDUNGWADUK, SRAGEN

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple food commodity that underpins national food security; however, its productivity at the farm level is still constrained by inefficient conventional nursery techniques. This problem is also faced by farmers in Kedungwaduk Village, Sragen, who are unfamiliar with modern dapog-based nursery methods compatible with rice transplanter use. This community service program, implemented by students of the JARPAK Grant at Sebelas Maret University (UNS), aims to improve farmers’ capacity and skills through education and hands-on practice of the dapog rice seedling system. The method used was a participatory approach involving socialization, demonstration, and practical mentoring. The results showed an improvement in farmers’ understanding of growing media preparation, seed sowing in trays, seedling management, and seedling readiness for mechanical transplanting. The impact was reflected in increased farmer capacity to independently apply modern nursery technology, more efficient use of seeds, and growing awareness of the importance of agricultural mechanization in increasing farm productivity. This study concludes that dapog-based rice nursery education is effective as an initial step in building farmer capacity toward modern mechanized agriculture. Further assistance at the stages of planting, maintenance, and postharvest is recommended to ensure sustained economic benefits.