Pengaruh Persepsi Petani dan Peran Pendamping Terhadap Digitalisasi Pertanian Durian di Kecamatan Wonosalam Kabupaten Jombang

Agricultural digitalization is an innovative solution to face challenges in increasing the efficiency and productivity of the agribusiness sector. This process includes the use of information technology, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), data-based applications, and drones, to help durian farmers increase crop yields, reduce human error, and provide more accurate predictions regarding weather and durian crop conditions. This research aims to analyze the influence of farmers' perceptions and the role of assistants on the digitalization of durian farming in Wonosalam District, Jombang Regency. The research method used is a quantitative approach with the SEM-PLS analysis tool to test the relationship between latent variables. The respondents used in this research were 85 durian farmers in Wonosalam District. The research results show that durian farmers' perceptions have a significant influence on the adoption of agricultural digitalization. Meanwhile, the role of companions does not have a direct influence on digitalization, but significantly influences the perceptions of durian farmers. This confirms that effective mentoring can shape farmers' positive perceptions of digital technology, which ultimately increases adoption of the technology. Therefore, this research recommends that digital technology education and training programs for farmers be strengthened, with the aim of accelerating the agricultural digitalization process. It is hoped that these findings can provide input for policy makers in developing technology development strategies in the agricultural sector, especially durian commodities.