ABILITY AND INDEPENDENCE OF FARMER GROUPS ON DEVELOPMENT OF SAGO AGRIBUSINESS AS ALTERNATIVE FOODSTUFF IN KEPULAUAN MERANTI REGENCY RIAU PROVINCE

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to have knowledge about ability and independence offarmer groups in developing sago agribusiness. This research conducted in KepulauanMeranti regency on January to June 2016. This research is using survey method andpurposive sampling as the gaining respondent method for 39 farmer group managers and alsosimple random sampling for 65 members in certain groups. Analysis tool which are useddescriptive analysis and liket scale analysis.Result of this research shows that : The development of sago agribusiness seen fromagribusiness subsystem such as : Production Facility Subsystem (citizen will not get introuble to get production facilities). Agriculturan Business Subsystem (citizen knows aboutsago cultivation aspect). Sago Agroindustry Subsystem (Sago manufacturing are still onlyabout wet and dry sago powder). Marketing Subsystem (Sago marketing consists of sagotrunk and sago powder), which are 4 channels of sago trunk marketing and 4 channels of sagopowder marketing. Supporting Department Subsystem (this subsystem is not giving a quitegood impact for sago farmers). The ability of farmer group as middle category. Theindependence of farmer group as quite independent.