FARMER'S CASHEW (ANACARDIUM OCCIDENTALE) CULTIVATION PATTERN: STUDY CASE IN GUNUNGKIDUL REGENCY

Abstract

This research aims to determine how farmers in Gunungkidul Regency conducted the cashew nut (Anacardium occidentale) cultivation technique until the post-harvest process. This research was conducted in Ngeposari village and Pacarejo village in Semanu subdistrict, and Gedangsari village and Jatiayu village in Karangmojo district. The primary method used in this research is descriptive. The research results show that cashew cultivation patterns in Gunungkidul farmers are carried out with an intercropping planting system. Cashew crops are served as a shade plant (protector) and land barrier. In crop maintenance activities, farmers perform treatments such as weeding, fertilizing, pest control, and pruning. Cashew harvesting is usually from September to November. The post-harvest process is like stripping and cashews drying. From the research results, the pattern of cashew nuts among the farmers of Gunungkidul following the technical cultivation of the proper crops, although cashew crops, not as a major commodity cultivated by farmers.