Evaluating the effectiveness of government rice seed subsidies in supporting agricultural sustainability

A case study of Subak Penarungan, Badung Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Rice Seed Subsidy Program based on the Five Accuracy Principles (right type, quantity, place, price, and timing) within the institutional framework of the Subak system in Subak Penarungan, Mengwi District, Badung Regency, Indonesia. The study also analyzes the gap between farmers’ expectations (importance) and perceptions (performance) using the Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) approach and examines the role of Subak institutions in supporting program implementation. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative and qualitative techniques was employed. Data were collected through surveys involving 81 respondents and supported by interviews and documentation. The analysis was conducted using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and Cartesian quadrant mapping to identify priority areas for improvement. The findings indicate that the effectiveness of the program is categorized as good; however, it has not fully met farmers’ expectations, as reflected by the average importance score of 4.85 and performance score of 4.74, resulting in a gap value of –0.11. Among the Five Accuracy dimensions, the right type dimension demonstrated the highest performance, whereas the right timing dimension showed the lowest. All assessed attributes revealed negative gap values, indicating discrepancies between actual implementation and farmers’ expectations. The strengths of the program lie in seed quality and ease of distribution, while weaknesses are associated with quantity accuracy, cost efficiency, supply continuity, timeliness, and institutional responsiveness. Although Subak institutions play an important role in coordinating and distributing subsidized seeds, improvements in administrative capacity and responsiveness remain necessary. The study concludes that program effectiveness can be enhanced through updating land-based demand data, synchronizing distribution schedules with planting seasons, strengthening information systems, improving cost efficiency, and reinforcing a more responsive and participatory institutional role of Subak.