From sacred to profane: efforts to control the corn pests in Gorontalo, Indonesia

Lampe, Munsi; Hunowu, Momy A.; Nurul Ilmi Idrus; Safriadi

From sacred to profane: efforts to control the corn pests in Gorontalo, Indonesia

2022

Lampe, Munsi | Hunowu, Momy A. | Nurul Ilmi Idrus | Safriadi

Modernisation in corn farming has changed some local practices especially with regard to pest control of the corn plants in Gorontalo. This research aims to explore the correlation between the effectiveness of farming rituals and farming technology in controlling corn pests. The present study employed a qualitative method that relies on primary and secondary data. The primary data was obtained from two types of farmers, traditional farmers and modern farmers, through observation and interview methods. The data was analysed using systematic data reduction, data display, data verification. Data obtained after this three-stage analysis were further analysed using descriptive and content analysis data. The results revealed that the traditional farmers still believe that some farming rituals are still effective in controlling the corn pests. They carry out rituals called mopo’a huta (feeding the soil) and panggoba (studying astronomical positions that are suitable for starting to plant). On the other hand, modern farmers tend to believe that technology is more effective at controlling corn pests. Using the best seeds, fertilisers and pesticides are easier and will result in higher yields. However, there are some farmers who believe that a combination of both practices produced hybrid knowledge that was the best of both worlds and in line with the integrated pest control techniques.

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