Andi Amran Sulaiman1,2*, Yunus Musa2,3, Muhammad Arsyad1,2, Amir Yassi2,3, Muh Farid2,3, Abd Haris Bahrun2,3, Fadjry Djufry4, Rismaneswati Rismaneswati5, Hasil Sembiring6, Amin Nur4, Madonna Casimero7, Ayu Anisa Amir1 and Muhammad Fuad Anshori2,3
1Department of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia; 2Rice Research Group, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia; 3Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia; 4Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Engineering and Modernization, Ministry of Agriculture, Jakarta, 12540, Indonesia; 5Department of Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, Indonesia; 6National Research and Innovation Agency 16911, Cibinong, Indonesia; 7International Rice Research Institute, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Los Baños, Philippines
*Corresponding author: aas@unhas.ac.id
Indonesia's rice production is anticipated to face increasing challenges due to heightened climate variability, which manifests as erratic rainfall, droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures. The current production systems and medium-duration rice varieties may struggle to cope. Although the nation's rice output presently surpasses domestic consumption, this balance could become precarious as climate unpredictability disrupts planting schedules and reduces effective growing seasons. As a result, future rice cultivation will need to adopt climate-resilient and very-early-maturing varieties to minimize exposure to end-of-season climatic stress. To support evidence development, a multidisciplinary approach is needed for comprehensive policy development. Therefore, this study assessed the policy potential of very-early-maturing rice using a multidisciplinary approach by agronomic, economic, social, agribusiness, and policy perspectives. The research included field trials in Bajeng, Gowa, South Sulawesi, using a split–split plot design to test planting systems, pruning, fertilization, and varieties; farm business analysis to calculate profitability and R/C ratio; and a survey of 158 South Sulawesi farmers analyzed using RStudio. The findings indicate that the square planting method and broader spacing of 25–30 cm are beneficial for developing ideotype tillers. The combination of nutrient and cultivation management, including balanced fertilization with a focus on nitrogen, compost, lime, and the practice of alternate wetting and drying (AWD), increased productive tillers, improved water efficiency, and improved productivity, resulting in 15 productive tillers. Compost increased yields by ~1 t ha?¹ and seasonal profits, although R/C ratio growth was limited by rising costs. Economically, Cakrabuana, Padjadjaran, and Inpari 13 showed the highest profitability among very-early varieties. The combined system increased planting intensity and annual profits compared with conventional methods. Socially and agribusiness-wise, farmers highly accepted very-early varieties, citing suitability for short seasons, increased cropping index, and income potential. Young farmers and extension officers were significant in expanding adoption. Policy implications underscore integrating adaptive technologies, strengthening seed systems, agribusiness institutions, inclusive financing and developing premium value chains to support sustainable, climate-adaptive, market-oriented rice agriculture.