Sustainability index of new improved rice varieties adoption: an ecological perspective

This study examines the sustainability of New Improved Rice Varieties (NIVs) adoption in Indonesia, with a focus on ecological, economic, institutional, and socio-cultural factors. Using Multi-Aspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA), the research found that while NIV adoption has relatively high sustainability, the ecological aspect scored the lowest (46.91%), highlighting the challenges posed by environmental factors such as flooding, pests, and salinity. The study emphasizes the importance of adopting flood-tolerant and pest-resistant rice varieties, improving irrigation infrastructure, and integrating climate-adaptive farming practices to enhance ecological sustainability. Additionally, government policies and financial support play a critical role in facilitating the adoption of sustainable farming practices. The findings suggest that without targeted interventions, ecological sustainability in NIV adoption will remain low, necessitating comprehensive policy and technological strategies to ensure long-term rice production resilience.