Stable and Higher Selling Prices

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 33 views

Analysis of Factors Affecting Land Field Farmers Carrying out Land Functions to Plantation Commodities: A Case Study of Irrigation Area Namu Sira-Sira, Langkat Regency

Introduction

The irrigation area of Namu Sira-Sira in Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, is renowned for its paddy agricultural activities. However, a fascinating phenomenon has been observed in this region: Many farmers are transitioning from rice cultivation to plantation commodities such as cocoa and palm oil. This study aims to understand the underlying reasons for this shift by examining four villages in the region: Namu Ukur Utara, PSR II Purwobinganun, PSR. VI Kwala Sent, and Emplasment Kwala Sent.

Methodology

This study employed the simple random sampling method to select a sample of farmers and analyzed the data descriptively. The results of the study provide valuable insights into the factors influencing farmers' decisions to switch from rice to plantations.

Differences in Revenue of Farmers' Business

The study reveals that differences in revenue of farmers' business become a dominant factor that encourages farmers to switch from rice to plantations. The primary reason for this is that plantation commodities such as cocoa and palm oil generally offer a greater potential profit than planting rice. This is influenced by the selling price of commodities, which tends to be more stable and higher, as well as relatively low production costs.

Larger Benefits of Plantation Commodities

Plantation commodities such as cocoa and palm oil generally offer a greater potential profit than planting rice. This is due to several factors:

Stable and Higher Selling Prices: The selling price of plantation commodities tends to be more stable and higher than that of rice.
Relatively Low Production Costs: The production costs of plantation commodities are relatively low compared to rice.
Longer Planting Period: Plantation commodities require a longer planting period, which allows farmers to spread their income over a longer period.

Challenges of Rice Farmers

Rice farmers often face challenges such as:

Uncertain Price Fluctuations: Rice prices tend to fluctuate, making it difficult for farmers to predict their income.
High Production Costs: Rice production requires high inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, which can be costly.
Limited Access to Fertilizers and Pesticides: Rice farmers often have limited access to fertilizers and pesticides, which can affect their productivity.

Other Factors Influencing Farmers' Decisions

In addition to the differences in revenue of farmers' business, other factors also influence farmers' decisions to switch from rice to plantations. These factors include:

Adequacy of Water: The irrigation area of Namu Sira-Sira faces water availability constraints, especially in the dry season. This condition makes the rice harvest become erratic and encourages farmers to look for more resistant commodities.
Land Area: Farmers with limited land tend to choose plantation commodities because they require fewer land and have a longer planting period.
Price Trend: The development of commodity prices such as cocoa and palm oil, which tends to be stable and increase, is an attraction for farmers to switch to plantations.

Conclusion

The transfer of land functions from rice fields to plantations in the irrigation area of Namu Sira-Sora is driven by various complex factors. The most dominant economic factor, namely the potential profit greater than the plantation, is the main driver. In addition, obstacles related to the availability of water, land area, and price trends also affect farmers' decisions.

Impact of Food Security

This transition has a significant impact on food security. Considering that rice is a staple food, reduction of rice land can lead to a decrease in production and has the potential to threaten food availability.

Future Challenges

Efforts are needed to improve the welfare of rice farmers by increasing the productivity and efficiency of rice farming, as well as providing access to market and technology information. On the other hand, it is necessary to think about the right strategy to preserve the environment and food security so as not to be affected by the transfer of uncontrolled land functions.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improving Rice Farming Productivity: Efforts should be made to improve the productivity and efficiency of rice farming to increase farmers' income and reduce their dependence on plantation commodities.
Providing Access to Market and Technology Information: Farmers should be provided with access to market and technology information to help them make informed decisions about their farming activities.
Preserving the Environment and Food Security: A right strategy should be developed to preserve the environment and food security, taking into account the transfer of uncontrolled land functions.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that the welfare of rice farmers can be improved, and the impact of the transfer of land functions on food security can be mitigated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Analysis of Factors Affecting Land Field Farmers Carrying out Land Functions to Plantation Commodities

Q: What is the main reason why farmers in Namu Sira-Sira are switching from rice to plantations?

A: The main reason is the potential profit greater than the plantation, which is influenced by the selling price of commodities that tends to be more stable and higher, as well as relatively low production costs.

Q: What are the challenges faced by rice farmers in Namu Sira-Sira?

A: Rice farmers in Namu Sira-Sira face challenges such as uncertain price fluctuations, high production costs, and limited access to fertilizers and pesticides.

Q: How does the adequacy of water affect farmers' decisions to switch from rice to plantations?

A: The irrigation area of Namu Sira-Sira faces water availability constraints, especially in the dry season. This condition makes the rice harvest become erratic and encourages farmers to look for more resistant commodities.

Q: What is the impact of the transfer of land functions from rice fields to plantations on food security?

A: The transfer of land functions from rice fields to plantations has a significant impact on food security. Considering that rice is a staple food, reduction of rice land can lead to a decrease in production and has the potential to threaten food availability.

Q: What are the future challenges that need to be addressed?

A: Efforts are needed to improve the welfare of rice farmers by increasing the productivity and efficiency of rice farming, as well as providing access to market and technology information. On the other hand, it is necessary to think about the right strategy to preserve the environment and food security so as not to be affected by the transfer of uncontrolled land functions.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the welfare of rice farmers and preserving the environment and food security?

A: The following recommendations are made:

Improving rice farming productivity
Providing access to market and technology information
Preserving the environment and food security

Q: How can the transfer of land functions from rice fields to plantations be managed to minimize its impact on food security?

A: A right strategy should be developed to preserve the environment and food security, taking into account the transfer of uncontrolled land functions. This can be achieved by implementing policies and programs that promote sustainable agriculture, improve access to markets and technology, and support small-scale farmers.

Q: What role can government and non-governmental organizations play in addressing the challenges faced by rice farmers in Namu Sira-Sira?

A: Government and non-governmental organizations can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by rice farmers in Namu Sira-Sira by providing support and resources to improve their productivity and efficiency, as well as providing access to markets and technology information.

Q: How can the findings of this study be applied to other regions with similar challenges?

A: The findings of this study can be applied to other regions with similar challenges by identifying the key factors that influence farmers' decisions to switch from rice to plantations and developing strategies to address these challenges.