Seed Distribution Factors and Rice Productivity: The Mediating Role of Technology Adoption

Purpose: This study examines the mediating role of seed technology adoption in linking seed distribution quality, distribution accessibility, agricultural extension support, and distribution program effectiveness with rice farmers' productivity at UPT Pengembangan Benih Padi dan Palawija, Dinas Pertanian dan Ketahanan Pangan Provinsi Jawa Timur. Research Methodology: A quantitative causal design was applied using data from 100 rice farmers selected from 800 certified high-yielding seed recipients through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a five-point Likert-scale questionnaire and analyzed through regression analysis, partial and simultaneous tests, and the Sobel test to evaluate direct and indirect effects. Results: The results show that seed technology adoption is the strongest predictor of rice farmers' productivity and is significantly influenced by seed distribution quality, accessibility, agricultural extension support, and program effectiveness. Distribution accessibility is the strongest determinant of adoption. The mediation analysis confirms that adoption fully mediates the effect of accessibility on productivity, while partially mediating the effects of seed quality, extension support, and program effectiveness. Conclusions: Seed technology adoption is a key mechanism that transforms distribution efforts into productivity improvements. Distribution accessibility alone does not improve productivity unless it encourages actual adoption. Limitations: This study is limited by its cross-sectional design, single research setting, and the use of the Sobel test for mediation analysis. Contributions: This study contributes by demonstrating distinct full and partial mediation pathways, highlighting adoption as a strategic factor in improving agricultural productivity.