Exploration of the potential of upland rice agribusiness development in South Konawe District, Southeast Sulawesi

Upland rice potential needs to be explored from various aspects so that it can really contribute to the increase in national rice production. Potential of upland rice apart from the potential aspects of resources availability also needs to be explored from the social and economic aspects that were studied in the concept of agribusiness. Potential in resource and social were being investigated by the qualitative method, while potential in economics was being investigated by the quantitative method, namely R/C ratio analysis. The results showed: (a) The resources potential in the form of land availability and an increase of upland rice productivity in South Konawe District. Upland rice also has the advantage of adaptation in various agroecology, soil types, and types of plants in intercropping systems; (b) The social potential in the form of farmers' knowledge and skills regarding upland rice cultivation which tends to the concept of organic farming, socio characteristics and social capital; (c) The economic potential in the form of higher prices for rice from upland rice than rice from lowland rice, limited market share, and high financial feasibility.