Innovative Agricultural Technologies for Increasing Soybean Production and Farmers’ Income in Bima Regency: A Pathway to Sustainable Agriculture

Abstract

The productivity of soybean at the farmer level in Bima Regency, Indonesia, remains lower than the yields achieved under research conditions, mainly due to limited adoption of improved cultivation technologies, particularly in the use of certified seeds, planting methods, and balanced fertilization. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of introducing improved soybean production technologies on yield and farm income to support sustainable agriculture. The research applied an action research approach conducted on farmers' fields in three villages of Bima Regency from July to October. The technologies introduced included high-quality certified seeds, optimal plant spacing (40 × 15 cm), NPK fertilization at 100 kg/ha, and foliar fertilizer (PPC) at 1 L/ha. These practices reflect the current recommendations for improving crop establishment and nutrient management as part of sustainable intensification. The results revealed that the introduction of these technologies increased soybean yield from 1.1 t/ha under conventional farming practices to 2.1 t/ha, representing a 48% improvement in productivity. Farm income also rose by 57%, from IDR 7,425,000 to IDR 14,175,000 with the recommended technology package. The economic analysis showed better feasibility, with R/C and B/C ratios of 2.6 and 1.6, respectively, compared to 2.1 and 1.1 under traditional farmer practices. These findings suggest that adopting appropriate agricultural technologies significantly improves soybean productivity, profitability, and resource-use efficiency, offering a sustainable pathway for soybean farming in Bima Regency.