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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Optimization of Groundwater Irrigation-based Farming System Toward Sustainable Agriculture in North Coastal Plain, Bali

(Indonesia), Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics (Gadjah Mada University)

Dissertation Abstract:

 

Intensive farming system development (FSD) on poor fertile soil with limited water source especially in the north coastal plain of Bali can lead to trade-off between economic benefits in the short run and environmental problems in the long run. This study aimed to develop irrigated farming system model at the household level in the north coastal plain of Bali and assess its sustainability.

The sustainable farming system model at the household level was used to achieve the objectives of this study. Primary data collected from 42 farmers in representative scheme with well code of TMB-59 and secondary data were used to specify parameters of the model. Linear programming analysis was used to solve constrained optimization problem in the model. Variations in groundwater limit, groundwater prices, irrigation subsidy, input prices, household expenditure requirement, and technology improvement were simulated into the validated model.

A small farmer was optimal in resources allocation, indicated from optimal solution of conventional farming systems, which conforms to observed behavior. By several adjustments, conventional farming system model can be extended to sustainable farming system model. Since all components and indicators of sustainability were considered into the model and all criteria of sustainability were fulfilled by optimal results, the extended farming system model guarantees that irrigated farming system development at the household level will become sustainable. Simulation results indicated that sustainable farming system was better than conventional farming system. Decreasing groundwater limit, increasing water price, subsidy elimination, and increasing input prices and minimum household expenditure will partially or simultaneously reduce net cash flow plus liquidity value of reserve cash and credit. But, farmers can still maximize the value of objective function by improving farm technologies.

To make farming system sustainable at the household level, the farmer should be able to (1) allocate groundwater less than or equal to 8.547 L/s, (2) add organic fertilizer from manure more than or equal to 5 t/ha/y, (3) continue mixed-farming system and crop rotation, (4) consider minimum household expenditure, and (5) put the sustainable value in the use of water in approximately IDR 1,218.29/CM into effect. The sustainable farming system model generated from this study passed the validation process, thus it can contribute to scientific development. Also, the results can be used as best management practices by the local farmers.