Respons Petani terhadap Metode dan Media Penyuluhan Pemanfaatan Biochar Sekam Padi pada Budidaya Cabai Merah

The agricultural sector plays an important role in supporting food availability and sustainable agricultural development.One of the problems faced by farmers is the decline in soil fertility caused by intensive cultivation practices and the continuous use of chemical fertilizers.Rice husk biochar is an innovation with the potential to improve soil quality and increase crop productivity: however, its utilization among farmers remains relatively low.This study aimed to analyze farmers' responses to agricultural extension media and methods regarding the utilization of rice husk biochar to improve red chili cultivation in Secanggang District, Langkat Regency.The study was conducted from March to April 2026 in Tanjung Ibus Village and involved 36 red chili farmers selected using a census approach.Data were collected through observation, interviews, and questionnaires and were analyzed descriptively using percentages.The extension media used included folders, videos, and actual rice husk biochar samples, while the extension methods consisted of lectures and discussions, method demonstrations, and farm visits.The results showed that farmers' responses to the extension methods reached 83.59% and their responses to the extension media reached 84.76%, both of which were categorized as strongly agree.Video media received the highest response score of 85.28%, while farm visits obtained the highest response score of 85.14%.The results indicated that the appropriate use of extension media and methods could enhance farmers' understanding and acceptance of rice husk biochar utilization.Therefore, participatory extension media and methods should continue to be developed to increase the adoption of environmentally friendly agricultural innovations among farmers.