STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IRRIGATION WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM IN IMPROVING AGRICULTURAL INDEX

Rice as a staple food in Indonesia is a top priority in increasing food production. One way that can be done to increase food production is by expanding the harvested area through an increase in the rice cropping index (rice IP). IP improvement in principle is an effort to optimize water and land resources with the right technology.

This study aims to determine the pattern of irrigation water availability; effectiveness of irrigation water distribution systems; crop index; Subak members' strategies in dealing with irrigation water availability patterns. The research location was chosen deliberately, namely in Subak Padanggalak, Kedewatan Irrigation Area, Bali. Measurements were made in quantitative and qualitative descriptive terms. The main object of research is Subak Padanggalak, Kedewatan Irrigation Area, Bali. This research uses secondary data and primary data. The research respondents were members of Subak Padanggalak taken by random sampling. The informants used were subak management, weir observers, and academics.

Based on the results of the study it can be concluded: (1) The availability of irrigation water fluctuates and is available throughout the year; (2) The effectiveness of the irrigation water distribution system is 1; (3) the existing cropping index is 250%; potential crop index of 300%; (4) Subak member strategies in dealing with irrigation water availability patterns: (a) cultivate the land alternately between munduk and between subak members in one planting season; (b) members who have a turn to cultivate land are prioritized using irrigation water (lending irrigation water); (c) diversifying rice with secondary crops for subak members who obtain relatively small water debit.

Suggestions in this study are that further research needs to be done related to: (a) water balance that is equipped with primary data; and (b) farmers' perceptions of an increase in cropping index.

Keywords: effectiveness, distribution system, irrigation water, cropping index