Understanding the relationship among the determinants of rice cropping index in Deli Serdang Regency

The cropping index of rice is one of determining factors to increase rice production. In certain areas of Deli Serdang Regency, the rice crop has high possibility of being sowed three times annually. Unfortunately, some parts of this regency still have a low cropping index, then affecting the stagnant production. Hence, this study was conducted to identify the determinant variables and explain their relationship with rice cropping index and also to construct the strategic actions to increase the rice cropping index. This study was conducted in six districts with 180 total respondents, using household-based survey method. The descriptive statistics analysis and Pearson correlation analysis were performed using the SPSS tool to achieve the objectives. The result shows that frequency of flood occurrence on riceland, productivity, total income from agricultural sector, number of household member, age, education level, distance of irrigation channel to the riceland and the irrigation status are the significant determinants of rice cropping index. In addition, some strategic actions that have to introduced to the local government and the farmers are sowing the adaptive varieties which is tolerant on flooding condition; using the precise planting calendar to find the exact schedule for planting time; planting the certified variety that gives high productivity; increasing the capacity building, especially the cultivation skill, through following the technical guidance; cconstructing the irrigation system and repairing/maintaining the irrigation infrastructures; and harvesting the water to support the sustainable water for riceland.