Towards Commercial Orientation of Maize Farming In East Nusa Tenggara

Maize constitute dominant food crop in upland semi-arid region of East Nusa Tenggara (ENT) and as a main staple for majority rural farmers. This paper examines Provincial Government programs to increase maize production reform orientation. Data information being used from the recent program: “Maize Planting, Cattle Harvest (MPCH)”. The survey was conducted all villages Districts Timor Sumba Island pilot project. study showed that: 1). farmers keen change orientation subsistence semi fully commercial long there are surplus better access market, 2). Average productivity under program (5 – 8 ton/ha) higher than traditional practices (1 2 ton/ha), 3). Most have own cattle 1- head/household sold with contract price IDR 3,200/kg. result implies that incorporated farmer into market beginning program, technical assistance apply appropriate innovations, organized groups enhance business scale government support minimize cost lead adopt new innovation, (commercial).