STRATEGY TO STRENGTHEN RED CHILI PRODUCTION IN CENTRAL BANGKA REGENCY

Red chili pepper production data is unstable, with fluctuations in production volume, with increases and decreases in area, impacting the production levels of red chili farmers themselves. This study aimed to describe red chili farming in Central Bangka Regency and formulate alternative strategies for strengthening red chili production in Central Bangka Regency. This study was conducted from September 2021 to December 2021 in Central Bangka Regency. The research method used was a survey method. The population in this study was red chili farmers. Sampling was determined using a simple random sampling technique. The number of samples selected was 62 respondents using the Slovin Formula. Data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis and SWOT analysis. The results showed that red chili farming in Central Bangka Regency includes nurseries/seedlings, land preparation, planting, maintenance, and harvesting. Alternative strategies for increasing red chili production are Strengths-Opportunities: optimizing land by utilizing production facilities to increase red chili production, and optimizing the function of farmer groups. Weaknesses -Opportunities: improving supporting facilities and infrastructure, increasing training and development for extension workers and farmers, and improving crop production results by participating in coaching and training from the local government. Strengths- Threats: Farmers' experience in developing red chili farming can overcome the problem of crop failure caused by pests and diseases, establish cooperation with extension workers and local governments, and increase farmers' knowledge of price information in the market to minimize price games. Weaknesses- Threats: application of agricultural machinery technology and providing farmers with an understanding of the characteristics of red chili. Suggested more training on how to deal with pests and diseases so that the farmer's production remains good.