TINGKAT RISIKO PRODUKSI DAN PENDAPATAN USAHA TANI KAKAO DI KECAMATAN NUBATUKAN KABUPATEN LEMBATA

Abstract

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L. ) is a vital agricultural product that significantly contributes to the financial livelihood of farmers in Lembata Regency. The effectiveness of cocoa farming is highly dependent on the yield of the crops and the farmers' skill in handling various uncertainties that may result in production challenges. Variations in production can affect farmers' earnings, which makes it essential to explore the risks of production and the factors that influence crop yields. This study aimed to evaluate the levels of risks linked to cocoa production, to analyze the effects of different production factors on cocoa yields, and to assess the earnings of cocoa farmers in Nubatukan Regency, Lembata Regency. This research took place in the villages of Belobatang and Udak Melomata, where a census was performed to gather data from 64 cocoa growers. For data analysis, the study employed the coefficient of variation (CV), multiple linear regression, and farm income assessment. The findings indicated that the risks related to cocoa cultivation were minimal, as demonstrated by a coefficient of variation of 18. 55%. The regression analysis revealed that all the independent variables together played a role in cocoa production; however, when looked at separately, only the count of productive trees had a noteworthy influence. With a coefficient of determination of 68. 2%, it was evident that the variables examined effectively accounted for variations in cocoa production. Each year, cocoa farmers earned an average income of 15,947,245. 46 rupiah, highlighting that cocoa farming continues to offer significant economic advantages to them. This study emphasizes the necessity of optimizing high-yielding trees to enhance both production and earnings in cocoa agriculture.