Feasibility Analysis and Identification of the Existence of Ponelo Rice as a Local Variety of Gorontalo, Indonesia

Purpose: Rice is the primary staple food in many Asian countries, including Indonesia. In some regions of Indonesia, local rice varieties are cultivated, including in Gorontalo Province, where a local upland rice variety called Ponelo is grown. This rice is named after one of the islands in North Gorontalo Regency. This study aims to conduct a feasibility analysis and examine its existence.
Research Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach with a predominance of qualitative approaches. The research was conducted from May to December 2024 in North Gorontalo Regency, Indonesia. Data were collected through snowball sampling techniques from various key informants, including farmers, agricultural extension workers, and related officials. Data analysis was carried out using the Miles and Huberman models, while agricultural feasibility was analyzed quantitatively using the agricultural income formula and benefit-cost (B/C) ratio.
Findings and Values: The results indicate that Ponelo rice farming is economically feasible based on agricultural income analysis, with the B/C ratio of 1.69, confirming its feasibility for cultivation. This type of subsistence agriculture slows the spread of Ponelo rice cultivation. However, the continued existence of Ponelo rice is sustained by farmers’ cultural values, as they perceive its cultivation not merely as a means of fulfilling household needs but also as a cultural heritage to be preserved. When supported by appropriate agricultural development policies, this perspective can be a driver of regional food security in Gorontalo Province and, more broadly, in Indonesia.